Crane Lake – Best of Northern Minnesota Boat Rentals

Introduction

One look at the Land of 10,000 Lakes and you’ll see why Northern Minnesota has gained the reputation for being a great spot for summer. With water everywhere and boating opportunities abound, Northern Minnesota is a premier summer destination. Whether you’re looking to fish, swim, or just cruise around the acreage to take in the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the state, boating in Northern Minnesota is absolutely worth the experience. Even if you don’t have a boat, riding around one of the plethora of lakes Minnesota has is extremely accessible through boat rentals. Read on as we dive into the best boat rental options for people looking to have some summer fun in Northern Minnesota.

Crane Lake

Located at the top of the state, Crane Lake is a largely undisturbed, almost 3,000-acre lake with tremendous opportunity for fun. While remote, Crane Lake still has some great local guides/businesses to get you on the water in a boat with the equipment you need for a fantastic day. Regardless of your boating activity, Crane Lake can host it all. Here are some of the top boat rentals around Crane Lake. 

Pine Point Lodge, Resort, and Motel

With multiple locations on the west and southwestern edges of Crane Lake, Pine Point is easy to rally towards. Pine Point offers the full suite of amenities should you choose; on that list is boat rentals with three options. Their pontoon fishing boat can fit up to 16 people, while their smaller, technologically advanced fishing boats can hold 3 or 4 people comfortably depending on the model you choose. All boats are well stocked with tackle.

Scott’s Peaceful Valley

At the southwest corner of Crane Lake lies Scott’s Peaceful Valley, a great year-round cabin resort nestled along the lake. Alongside their rentals, Scott’s Peaceful Valley offers select boat rentals, mostly geared towards fishing. Scott’s also offers an exclusive fishing house filled with other related fishing amenities for cleaning and packaging.

Handberg’s Marina

Handberg’s, located at the southern edge of Crane Lake, has an extensive boat collection ranging from speedboats to paddleboards that you can easily rent from. The boat guys also offer an RV park for you to stay. Boat options include the sweetwater pontoon that sits 10, the crestliner fishing vessel that can sit up to 6, the Alumaweld that can fit up to 5, and many more options in between.

Norway Lodge Resort and RV Park

On the southwest corner of Crane Lake during the warmer months, Norway Lodge opens to offer a great list of amenities including a houseboat, cabins, and regular boat rentals. Their boats list offers larger pontoons, fishing boats, and smaller boats where you could even use your own small motor.

Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats

On the southwestern coast of Crane Lake lies the largest houseboat fleet in Minnesota located at Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats. Besides houseboats, Voyagaire Lodge has cabin rentals and a multitude of outdoor equipment rentals including a nice selection of boats. On the tiny end, there are paddleboards and kayaks. On the larger end, there are 24 foot pontoon boats and new fishing boats that can fit anywhere from 4 to 10 people, outfitted with appropriate fishing equipment.

Voyageurs Guide Service and Property Management

Voyageurs Guide Service and Property Management, located on the southwest coast of Crane Lake, has a great selection of cabins to rent in the area on the lake, some open year-round! For boats, Voyageurs Guide Service has two pontoon options in two different sizes: The Godfrey can hold up to 12 while the Grand Majestic can carry up to 19. Both make for a relaxing day on the water.

Nelson’s Resort

Nelson’s Resort, located on the southeastern coast of Crane Lake, is a great place to unwind at one of the variety of cabins. With a marina and supplies available, Nelson’s can offer you great boat support if you have one to bring. Canoes and kayaks are offered by the resort should you need a rental to explore/fish the fantastic water at Crane Lake.

Cabins on Crane

Cabins on Crane, at the southernmost point of the lake, is a great one-stop-shop for a vacation. Whether there for the week or just visiting for a day, boat rentals are readily available and affordable. Cabins on Crane offer both a fishing boat for up to 6 people or a pontoon that can hold up to 12.

Scott’s Resort and Seaplane Base

At the southern edge of Crane Lake lies Scott’s Resort and Seaplane Base, where you can fly directly in with a seaplane. For most of us without plane access, Scott’s offers some other fantastic amenities including lodging and boat rentals. For boats, Scott’s Resort has multiple large pontoon options or a smaller Starcraft, all stocked with fishing equipment.

Anderson’s Outfitters

For a fantastic canoe rental south of Crane Lake, Anderson’s Outfitters offers some great options. With multiple size options for solo, two, or three people per canoe and all corresponding equipment to go alongside, Anderson’s is a great option for affordably getting on the water.

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!

Johnson Lake

Northwest of Crane Lake, in the depths of Voyageur National Park, is the remote Johnson Lake. For a remote wilderness experience, there are some boat rental opportunities here to explore:

Sherrick’s Resort

On the southeastern corner of Johnson Lake, Sherrick’s Resort offers a great wilderness experience with a boat rental included with your cabin.

Echo Lake

South of Crane Lake lies another great option for boating at Echo Lake. Slightly more accessible and on a smaller scale, Echo Lake has some great charm to it.

Trail’s End Resort

On Echo Lake, Trail’s End Resort is a great place to stop for a cabin rental for a week or just a boat rental for a daytrip. Affordable boats available to rent include a pontoon or multiple 14-foot options that can fit up to 5.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a great swim, some of the nation’s best fishing, or just want to explore the natural beauty of Northern Minnesota, Crane Lake can offer the best of it all. With a tremendous amount of options around the lake for lodging, dining, boat rentals, and any other rental you could need, a great vacation at Crane Lake is just waiting to be had. Whether you want a solo kayak to take in the sights or want to bring the whole family on a pontoon, the perfect boat day exists for you at Crane Lake.