Cass Lake
Welcome to Cass Lake!
Cass Lake is approximately 15,950 acres in size. View an interactive Cass Lake map and get GPS cooridinates using LakePlace.com’s Lake Finder tool.
Explore Cass Lake
Looking at any lake on a map, it is easy to be fooled into believing that each one is as good as the next. When planning our journeys, we like to look at small scale maps, see the biggest spot of blue and say “that’s where I want to go!” Often we’re disappointed-massive, unnourished lakes provide hours of boating but no fishing; exploration happens quickly on overdeveloped shores, with the best spots often over fished. This is why, to seasoned anglers and outdoorsmen, places like Cass Lake stand apart from other lakes.
Cass Lake is part of a chain of nine large lakes around Cass, Minnesota. These interconnected lakes play a big role in providing anglers with plenty of fishing opportunities over hundreds of miles of eclectic shoreline. Cass Lake itself has one of the best Muskie yields (second only to nearby Leech Lake) in the state. The best part is that the majority of Cass Lake is part of the Chippewa National forest and other government owned resources, leaving much of the lake’s shores unspoiled by development.
Water plays a very big role in making the Cass Lake area special. With connections to both the Turtle river and Mississippi river, the whole Cass Lake area is primed to offer a variety of habitats for numerous fish. The minimal development insures healthier waters in which to breed better fish. One could literally explore this complex limnological system for days without running out of new adventures!
In fact, Cass Lake contains more than just the standard beauty afforded to the average unspoiled tract of nature. Star Island is a boat accessible land mass in the middle of Cass Lake. This 1,100 acre island is also home to Lake Windigo. This lake is so unique that it was featured by “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” as one of the only lakes within a lake in the Northern Hemisphere.
Of course, it’s not just the water that makes this area worth the visit. The Chippewa National Forest that enshrines much of the shores of Cass Lake also preserves one of the few white pine forests of the day. The Dawes Act gave major lumber and businessmen an opportunity to threaten the ownership of Ojibwe (Chippewa) reservations in the late 19th century, including the forests around Cass Lake. It was the act of a President Roosevelt and the Minnesota Federation of Women’s Clubs that preserved 225,000 acres around Lake Leech and Cass Lake.
That land, now called the Chippewa National Forest, contains over 280 miles of hiking trails, including some that are paved for bicyclists, skates and joggers. In addition to the big nine, the forest contains over 700 additional lakes and almost a thousand miles worth of streams. Amateur ornithologists will delight at watching over 243 species of birds in a park that stands as one of the largest bald eagle breeding grounds in the U.S. With recreational activities available for every season, the exploration of this area could go on for generations.
If the Chippewa National Forest isn’t enough for you, Itasca State Park is only a short drive from Cass Lake. With 32,000 acres, this park is estimated to be the headwaters of the Mississippi river. Over 33 miles of hiking trails exist for the avid outdoorsman, with at least 1.5 miles of them handicap accessible. Attractions of this forest include an ancient Native American cemetery; this is just over 60 miles from the incredible natural beauty that is the Cass Lake area.
Complementing the limitless outdoor opportunities of the area is a vast array of campgrounds and resorts. Over 20 Cass Lake resorts offer a variety of accommodation, from traditional hotel rooms to lakeside cabins. You will find some Cass Lake resorts offering rustic retreats while others offer nothing but luxurious chalets, A-Frames and cottages for their guests. There’s even gambling opportunities for guests at the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Palace Casino and Hotel.
In addition to natural wonders, the Cass Lake area is also home to some thrilling attractions for the family. Lyle’s Logging Museum and numerous Indian Burial grounds offer a deep insight into the history of this unique land. For more exciting activities, there are miniature golf courses, casinos or horseback riding at the Moondance ranch. The area is even home to the famous statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe, his blue Ox.
Cass Lake goes above and beyond what is expected of a great northern getaway. Unlike most natural wonders, this area is going to require more than one visit to even begin to explore the boundless natural and cultural possibilities. No two visits will ever be the same in a land as vast and unique as this.
