Hackensack Minnesota

Along the eastern shore of Birch Lake in Cass County, Minnesota lies the vacation gem of Hackensack. Set against the back-drop of the gorgeous Minnesota Northwoods, Hackensack offers visitors convenient access to hundreds of Minnesota lakes, the Savanna State Forest and the Chippewa National Forest. So this year, escape from the ordinary, relax in the great outdoors and create great family memories in the picturesque town of Hackensack, MN!

In the late 1800’s, the Minnesota and International Railroad constructed a rail line through Hackensack on what is now the site of the Paul Bunyan Trail. This effectively established Hackensack Minnesota as a center of commerce for the railroads, lumber and paper industries. In the early 20th century, the area in and around Hackensack became a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation in the scenic Minnesota lake country. Today, Hackensack, MN remains an ideal destination for visitors from all over the world.

While Hackensack is a small community of approximately 300 permanent residents, it is still a bustling town with many activities. One such activity is the National Chainsaw Sculpting Competition, held annually in late September. Competitors in this unique competition must make one “masterpiece” carve and several “quick” carves. At the end of the three day event, these exquisite pieces of art are auctioned to the highest bidders. In the wintertime be sure to stop in for the “Back to Hack” festival featuring a parade, bonfire and snow-sculpting contest. Sweetheart Days, held each year in July, honors the legend of Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart, Lucette. A statute of Lucette along with the couple’s son, Paul Jr., looks over the lake. Visitors can even check out the original marriage certificate of Paul and Lucette, on display in Hackensack’s Chamber of Commerce building. During the festival, visitors and locals come together to celebrate her memory with a parade, golf tournament, food, crafts and, of course, a fabulous Fourth of July fireworks display.

In town, stop for a leisurely picnic lunch in Hackensack’s peaceful lakeside park. Stroll through the downtown area shops. Kick back with a meal and a drink at the Riverhouse Restaurant and Lounge, or stop into Sweets Cafe for a sandwich or decadent treat. If you are seeking a truly unique experience, plan a visit to the Heart of Minnesota Emu Ranch in nearby Nevis, Minnesota. Drive north for a relaxed afternoon at the Forestedge Winery in LaPorte, a mere half an hour’s drive to the north. Larger Minnesota cities such as Brainerd, Grand Rapids and Bemidji are within easy driving distance from downtown Hackensack and all make excellent day trips for the entire family.

Spring and summer are by far the most popular seasons to visit Hackensack. During the warm months of the year, visitors and locals alike can enjoy hiking or biking along one of the many area trails. Keep your eyes open in the forests. You may catch a glimpse at some outstanding species of wildlife such as deer, porcupine, bald eagles, timber wolves, coyotes, bobcats, loons and even the occasional black bear. If fishing is your sport, there is an excellent Walleye Tournament on Leech Lake, held annually in late May. Experience the unparalleled walleye fishing of Leech Lake in the great Minnesota Northwoods. Be sure to register in advance for this tournament because spots are limited! In Hackensack itself, the local community holds weekly fishing competitions throughout the summer months.

Fall is also an outstanding time of year to visit Hackensack. The crowds are small and the forests explode with a virtual cornucopia of autumn colors. The famous Paul Bunyan trail, consisting of over 100 miles of trail, is an excellent spot to take a leisurely hike through the autumn forests. With fairly moderate autumn temperatures, camping is another wonderful fall option in and around Hackensack. So, bring your tent, light up a bonfire and cozy up with your family under the canvas of the Minnesota stars.

Winter brings more classic Minnesota pastimes such as snow-shoeing and cross country skiing. Rent an ice house on one of the many area lakes and experience the unique Minnesota pastime of ice-fishing. Even in winter, walleye, perch, crappies, and panfish are plentiful. Visitors can enjoy riding a snowmobile through the snowy wilderness on specially designated trails. The annual “Back to Hack” celebration in January is an excellent time to visit and features many family friendly winter events.

No matter what type of accommodations you seek, you are sure to find the perfect spot in or around Hackensack. Tent and RV camping sites are plentiful around the crystal clear waters of area lakes. Cabins and vacation homes abound on Birch Lake and the nearby Leech Lake. For a bit of pampering, check out one of the resort properties. Many of the historic area resorts were established in the 1940’s and 1950’s and offer the opportunity to escape from modern distractions such as television, video games and computers.

With its quiet charm and unrivaled natural beauty, Hackensack, MN is a great choice for your next family vacation!

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!