Welcome to Leech Lake!

Leech Lake is the 3rd largest lake in Minnesota. It is approximately 102,950 acres in size, has a maximum depth of 150 feet and is located in Cass County. View an interactive map of Leech Lake, complete with satellite views and GPS cooridinates, at LakePlace.com’s Lake Finder.

Lake Leech – A Treasure of the North

A 120 mile-long drive “Up North” on State Highway 371 from St. Cloud takes you through some of the best of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes. Up through Brainerd, the journey takes you past the over 9,000 acre Gull Lake and the 208 feet deep Ten Mile Lake. As you move further north, the area provides a plethora of waterways that make the land seem like Swiss cheese on a topographic maps. Hold out for a few miles longer, though, and you’ll eventually come to Walker, Minnesota and the beautiful shores of Lake Leech.

Lake Leech is protected on almost all sides by the Chippewa national forest, preserving its pristine shores. This immense reservoir covers over 111,000 square acres and plunges to depths beyond 150 feet. The third largest lake in all of Minnesota (second only to the Red and Mille Lacs Lakes) sits in the vast tranquil lands of the north. This area, however, has not always been so tranquil.

Home to a major Indian reservation, Lake Leech was the setting for one of the last Indian uprising of the 19th century called the Battle of Sugar Point. In 1899 – only three years after lumber interests had helped found the town of Walker, Minnesota – federal soldiers based out of Fort Snelling found themselves under heavy fire at Sugar Point. Grievances from the local tribes over the flooding of their lands at the construction of the Lake Leech dam reached a flashpoint when chief Bugonaygeshig was apprehended by federal marshals. His subsequent escape led to the dispatching of soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment to help round up any Indians with outstanding warrants. Though history is unclear, it is believed that the accidental discharge from a soldier’s rifle led Indians in the area to believe that they were under attack. In spite of the bloodshed, the actions on that day paved the way for greater understanding and diplomacy between the Leech Lake Ojibwe and local settlers.

Of course, that was the last time that Walker, Minnesota and Leech Lake would be remotely involved in violent disputes. Today the bucolic lakeside town boasts a population of just over 1,000 that can be described as anything but sleepy. The town offers a variety of activities for visitors, ranging from miles of snowmobile and biking trails to unique shopping at their downtown boutiques.

For most, however, it’s the world-class fishing that makes it worth a journey this far north. Lake Leech is recognized as a game fish lake, with regular stocks of walleye, jumbo perch, slap crappies, bass (large and small mouth), muskies and more. Two state record fish were pulled from Lake Leech’s waters, including a Lake Whitefish weighing over 12 lbs., and a Pumpkinseed that weighed almost a pound and a half. Sport fishing is popular past-time year round, but it’s the arrival of a particularly rare fish that creates quite a buzz every year in Walker and Leech Lake.

The International Eel Pout Festival in Walker sees fishing tournaments, ice races, a 5-mile run and even an ice bowling tournament. The Eel Pout (or Burbot) is a fish that is abundant beneath the ice of Leech Lake in the winter time but almost non existent during warmer months. The festival draws visitors from the world over and promises a variety of crazy events throughout its three days.

The quiet town creates quite a stir in the area for the three days that it runs. As of late 2008, no one had won both the EelPout Peel-Out (the 5 mile run) and the Eel Pout fishing tournament; a challenge that is playfully issued by the festival’s website (http://www.eelpoutfestival.com/). The festival has a risqué side as well, holding a special “Swimwear Fashion Show” featuring the girls of the bikini ice fishing team. The festival even receives a visit from the world record-holding ice-hole driller, Sean Spraungel, who can drill three holes in the ice in 8 seconds.

In spite of bikinis, races and rugby, it’s the Eel pout itself that brings many anglers here. Answering to four names – eel pout, burbot, lawyer and “buzzard-bait” – the eel pout is a mean fish that is normally despised by fishermen. The eel pout’s double-digit weight, excessive muscle, and hide-and-seek nature makes line breaks a common occurrence. The catch is a challenging one and despite the smell, the eel pout makes for a delicious meal that some describe as “poor man’s lobster”.

In spite of the seemingly whirlwind nature of the Eel Pout festival, it only represents a small percentage of the area’s year round treasures. Those looking for tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty need not look far. Surrounded on almost all sides by Chippewa National Forest, Leech Lake offers miles and miles of hiking, snowmobiling and biking trails. The surrounding hills create astounding views that will last forever in the minds of visitors. Leech Lake itself is so immense that one will find themselves discovering its secrets over and over again.

Walker Minnesota

When thinking about a vacation in north central Minnesota, images of fishing, hiking, and boating probably come to mind. In addition to being able to relax in the great outdoors, there are countless opportunities for adventure-seeking individuals and families. Walker, Minnesota is a prime example of an ideal spot to both relax and to experience all of the attractions and events of a much larger metropolis. Located along the shores of Leech Lake in Cass County, Minnesota, Walker has a population of approximately 1,000 permanent residents. Large enough to offer many attractions, but small enough to maintain a cozy, relaxed feel, Walker is a vacationing paradise of the Minnesota Northwoods.

Walker was initially founded in 1896. The town of Walker was named after Thomas B. Walker, a logging industry tycoon, in the hopes of attracting a sawmill to the area. Unfortunately, the town founders’ efforts were in vain and Thomas B. Walker elected to establish his mill in a neighboring community. In spite of this setback, Walker, MN became a stronghold of the logging industry with the establishment of several other mills in the late 19th and early 20th century. With its breath-taking natural beauty, Walker emerged as a world-renowned vacationing destination in the early 20th century.

Today, Walker Minnesota remains an ideal spot for visitors seeking respite from the daily grind. With a variety of motel and accommodation choices, Walker is sure to have the ideal choice for your family’s stay. Budget motels, bed and breakfasts, tent and RV camping sites are plentiful around the Walker area. For a bit more privacy and some well-deserved luxury, consider renting one of the beautiful vacation homes or cabins along the shores of the crystal clear Leech Lake. There are even houseboats for rent from various area resorts. Regardless of your budget or preferences, Walker, MN is sure to have a great spot for you!

For outdoor fun, come and relax along the shores of the beautiful Leech Lake with a good book. Sunbathe along one of the lake’s beaches. Rent a boat for an afternoon of fishing, sailing or canoeing. Fishing on Leech Lake is wonderful with plenty of bass, muskie, walleye and perch for the taking. Hike along the beautiful woodland trails and scenic byways of the Chippewa National Forest. Mountain bike or ride an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) along one of the designated paths. In the winter, snowmobile, cross country ski or snowshoe through the pristine, snowy forests. Occasional dog-sled races are can’t miss entertainment here in the Minnesota Northwoods. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the joys of ice-fishing on Leech Lake in the great state of Minnesota!

In addition to these classic outdoor activities, a plethora of unique attractions await you in and around Walker. Schedule in a visit to the Northland Bison Ranch in nearby Nevis, where you can take a ride amidst these majestic creatures on the Bison Bus. Plan an air tour of the area on the Lake Country Air Service, operated out of the town of Hackensack. Enjoy golfing on one of the area championship golf courses such as the LongBow Golf Club, the Wedgewood Golf Course or the Tianna Country Club. Take a romantic tour of a Minnesota winery at the Forestedge Winery in nearby Laporte. Try your hand at sailing around one of the area lakes. Opportunities for adventure abound in and around the vacationing paradise of Walker Minnesota.

Downtown Walker, MN features an array of charming, delightful shops for an afternoon’s diversion. Be sure to stop into the Shingobee Studios to view their excellent selection of photographic prints, pottery and more. After shopping, stop into the famous “Martini Bar” at the delectable Boulder’s Restaurant. For an evening of gaming entertainment, visit the world famous Northern Lights Casino. With over 1,000 slot machines, blackjack, a buffet, gift shop and a cabaret show, the Northern Lights Casino is an excellent choice for an evening of fun!

If you happen to be in the Walker area in July, the Moondance Jam is one of the best concerts you will ever attend. Featuring a variety of bands from the 1970’s and 1980’s, Moondance Jam takes place over a three day period in mid-July. In early August, stop in for some family fun at the Walker Bay Days along the shores of Leech Lake. Fun for the entire family, Walker Bay Days features live music, a fish fry, a mini-regatta, karaoke contests, an Olympics themed sports competition and a celebration of the Ojibway culture with the famous “Pow-Wow.” Watch the lights of area boats twinkle along the water in the boat parade. In the fall, other Walker festivals such as Ethnic Fest and the Northwoods Quilt Show are sure to delight members of your family.

So, if you are looking to escape from it all without losing out on the opportunity for a little adventure, be sure to check out Walker Minnesota for your next getaway!

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!

$595,000

1234 5th Street West.

Walker, MN 55484 – Map

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