Birch Lake – Hackensack, MN

Located near the charming, quaint town of Hackensack, Minnesota, Birch Lake is a scenic, calm and peaceful destination for individuals and families seeking respite from the craziness of their everyday lives. Located in Cass County, Minnesota, the crystal, clear waters of Birch Lake beckon with an abundance of fishing and recreational opportunities. A visit to Birch Lake is sure to create memories you and your family will cherish for a lifetime. You never know; you may come back year after year to this majestic spot in the Minnesota Northwoods!

Originally settled in the late 1800’s, the town of Hackensack was named for the city of Hackensack, New Jersey. As a result of the seemingly endless supplies of white pine trees on the shores of Birch Lake, the town was officially established as a lumber and paper center with the construction of Minnesota and International Railroad in the early 1900’s. Hackensack was incorporated as a village in 1903. During the early 20th century, the town of Hackensack and Birch Lake emerged as the premiere fishing and vacation destinations they remain today.

Fishing in Birch Lake is excellent and the lake is brimming with native Minnesotan species such as perch, bass and walleye. Boating is another favorite pastime on the waters of Birch Lake. From smaller craft to larger pontoon boats, family can enjoy an afternoon of fishing or just sun-bathing out on a boat. Canoes, kayaks and paddle-boats are also welcome on the serene lake waters. Dare-devils can experience the thrill of water-skiing or tubing across the lake waters. Swim in the clear water, or just enjoy an afternoon sitting out on a neighborhood pier with a great book. Birch Lake is aquatic recreation at its best!

Even though Minnesota winters may sound foreboding, it is actually an excellent time to visit this Northwoods region. The forests are pristine and snowy, making the trails surrounding Birch Lake an ideal destination for snow-mobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ice fishing on the lake is excellent. For unique entertainment, be sure to check out the weekly races of the Birch Lake Ice Riders. This daring group meets every Sunday during the winter months at noon to race their vehicles on an oval racing track set out on the ice. Admission is free and spectators will be amazed at the daring of these drivers in their ice racing ‘heats’.

The town of Hackensack on the waters of Birch Lake features a variety of family-friendly activities. There are tennis courts, a playground, horseshoes, a public beach, a public boat ramp and a fishing pier in this quaint, charming community. Visit the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce for a look at the marriage certificate between Paul Bunyan and his sweetheart, Lucette Diana Kensack, who was originally from the Hackensack area. A statue of Lucette and the couple’s son, Paul Bunyan, Jr., overlooks Birch Lake along the shoreline in Hackensack. If you happen to be in or around Birch Lake in the month of July, stop in for the Sweetheart Days community festival, named in honor of Lucette herself! The Paul Bunyan/Heartland Trail, the longest “Rails to Trails” project in the nation, runs directly through Hackensack between the cities of Brainerd and Bemidji, Minnesota. This trail features miles of paved pathway with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, dog sled racing and more! While on the Paul Bunyan/Heartland Trail, be sure to keep an eye out for glimpses of great Minnesota wildlife and the colorful wildflowers gracing the path.

There are a multitude of lodging options here at Birch Lake. RV and tent camping sites are plentiful and offer the opportunity to commune with nature by sleeping outside under the stars and cooking your meals over roaring bonfires. Area resorts, including the Shady Shores Resort and the Hyde-A-Way Bay Resort, feature comfortable rooms, fully equipped kitchens and gorgeous views of Birch Lake. For private, homey and comfortable accommodations, consider renting one of the cabins or vacation homes situated on the shores of Birch Lake. Some of these fabulous homes may even be available for time-share arrangements or purchase. You might even find the ideal spot for your next vacation or retirement home here along the majestic Birch Lake.

So, picture yourself sitting out on the deck of your vacation cabin as the mist rises up from the waters of Birch Lake. The light from the sunrise flickers along the clear, cool waters of the lake as wildlife such as deer, fox, bald eagles, porcupines and rabbits cavort in the forests around you. Breathing in the rich scent of the pine forest, you sit back, enjoy your coffee and think about how you will spend your day here in the natural playground of Birch Lake. This could be your next vacation. So start planning it – today!