Best Places to Rent a Kayak in Northern Minnesota
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Why Northern Minnesota is Ideal for Kayaking
With absolutely no shortage of lakes and rivers scattered across Northern Minnesota’s dense forests, it’s no wonder this place has gained a notable reputation for kayaking. The beautiful landscape of Northern Minnesota has miles of coastline to explore whilst on the water, with some incredible fishing to be had underneath. Any kayak adventure, no matter how long or short, can be found here. If you’re interested in exploring what the Northern Minnesota waters can offer you, read on as we’ll explore the very best places one can rent a kayak and the waters to use it on.
Best Places to Rent a Kayak in Northern Minnesota
While there are plenty of lakes around, some bodies of water still stand above the rest when it comes to kayak rentals. Typically, the best places in this regard have some great water to explore and ample space to give you a reprieve from any crowds. Here are some of the very best lakes to try out:
Crane Lake
North of Buyck nestled amongst the forests near the Canadian border lies the beautiful Crane Lake. With about 3,000 acres of surface area, there is plenty of water to explore. The jagged coastline has plenty of unique inlets with supplying rivers that gives the lake that much more character. With major waterways coming in and out, Crane Lake is very much connected with the broader watershed giving even more opportunities to explore. At the same time, the ample depth of Crane Lake gives plenty of space for large fish to grow and dream opportunities for kayak anglers. If you’re looking to rent a kayak around Crane Lake, here are some options:
Rainy Lake
Rainy Lake is a massive, beautiful lake in Northern Minnesota near the town of International Falls and Ranier. The surface of the lake spans about 360 square miles, which is absolutely massive as it sits directly on the border between US and Canada. The landscape around Rainy Lake is more reminiscent of the Canadian Shield, giving some incredible rocky shorelines. The effects of the fault lines that pass through the lake as well as the effects of glaciation have created incredible unique views.
Lake Kabetogama
Roughly parallel to Rainy Lake, Lake Kabetogama offers another fantastic place to explore with a kayak. Sitting at almost 26,000 acres in surface area, this lake is another huge one with tons of interesting shorelines to explore. Like many areas in this water system, the fishing can be absolutely incredible. From bass species to walleye, perch, pike, sturgeon, and more, there is never a dull day on the rod here.
Lake Namakan
Approximately 24,000 acres in size, Namakan lake is another fantastic, large lake that sits along the international border. Connected with the larger water system including the aforementioned Kabetogama Lake and Crane Lake, you’ll have to paddle through one of these lakes to reach Namakan Lake. With those connections, this lake also has some incredible angling opportunities. The shorelines offer unique rocky features that are fun to explore while the boreal forests surrounding the lake offer small glimpses at incredible Minnesota wildlife like bears, wolves, moose, eagles, and more.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Lakes
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Lakes is a collection of waterways along the international border that remains largely untouched by development. In fact, this area is considered the largest remaining area of uncut forest in the eastern US. Within there are hundreds of miles of rivers and lakes to explore the dense forests. Within the area there are plenty of fishing, camping, and kayaking opportunities to satisfy even the most seasoned explorer.
Voyageurs National Park Lakes
Composed of many of the same lakes listed above, Voyageurs National Park offers an incredible collection of connected lakes and the ability to pass between them. With loads of untouched forests around, you can truly explore Northern Minnesota via kayak, an adventure unlike anything else.
What to Know Before Renting a Kayak in Northern Minnesota
Before renting a kayak in Northern Minnesota, there are a number of things to keep in mind. For one, be sure to scale your kayak adventure to your experience level. These large water bodies of Minnesota have a lot of places to explore, which means you can certainly row yourself away from quick help. Always be prepared for where you’re going.
On a similar note, as lakes and rivers become larger, the risks tend to increase. Large lakes, for example, can experience quite a bit of wind on bad weather days that can create choppy, complex surfaces. The largest lakes, like Lake Superior, should be treated more like ocean kayaking than a lake. Always be sure to come prepared for the water conditions at hand.
Best Time of Year to Kayak in Northern Minnesota
Generally speaking, the fall tends to be the best time to kayak in Northern Minnesota. September and October see comfortable temperatures to explore the waters while the bugs and people decline from summer highs. At the same time, the fall foliage always enhances the forested landscape that much more! Fishing throughout the fall is also a great time!
Planning Your Kayak Trip Around Crane Lake
Planning your kayak trip around Crane Lake can be one of the best ways to experience this incredible area. Crane Lake offers all the supporting infrastructure one could need for a stay without any major crowds to weigh you down. What’s more, Crane Lake is still plugged into the Boundary Water Canoes Area, which means you can access hundreds of miles of lakes and rivers to explore, fish, camp, and experience.
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
Finding the Right Kayaking Base in Northern Minnesota
Experiencing Northern Minnesota on a kayak is one of the best adventures you can find in the United States. To get out on the water, though, we often need a worthy base of operations; Crane Lake offers that perfect base. With plenty of places to stay, supplies to gather, kayaks to rent, and connections to water to explore, Crane Lake has everything you need for a kayak adventure without the burdensome crowds of busier lakes. To schedule your stay and plan your trip, go online today and see what Crane Lake can offer you!
