Places to Play

Hiking

There are a variety of hiking trails around Crane Lake that will suit everyone from beginner to experienced. Be sure that you come prepared with your binoculars (as well as some snacks, bug spray, and water) so that you can fully enjoy the scenic views of this beautiful wooded area. See below for a breakout of the trails: 

Difficult 

• Herriman Trail – 13 miles of loops that can be found 2 miles down Nelson Road.
• Echo Lake Trail System – 13 miles of loops with two trail heads.
• Norway Trail – 16 miles (8 miles one way) that can be found 25 miles down the Echo Trail.
• Sioux Hustler Trail – 35 mile loop that can be found 17 miles down the Echo Trail. A BWCA permit is required.
• Hunter Walking Trails – these extensive walking trails can be found near Elephant Lake. Please be sure to bring a compass with you and review Minnesota DNR maps before your hike on these trails. 

Medium

• Bug Creek Trail – 2 mile loop with a scenic overlook of Elephant Creek.
• Grouse Trail – 3 mile loop found 0.25 miles down Nelson Loop.
• Big Moose Trail – 2.5 miles one way found off of FR 464. 
• Astrid Lake Trail – 7 miles of trail at Lake Jeanette Campground. This trail also connects four small lakes. 

Easy

• Vermilion Falls – 0.5 miles – 5 miles down FR 491, this scenic hike down the river has observation decks and picnic areas
• Orr Bog Walk – 0.5 miles of boardwalk that can be found behind the tourist Information Center. .
• Vermilion Portage – 0.75m one way – Across the river by the gorge, this trail is only accessible via boat.
• Franklin Lake ATV Trail – 1 mile one way, this trail is great for birdwatching.
• Echo Lake Campground – 1-1.5 mile hiking loop located within the campground.
• Vermilion Gorge – 1.5m one way – Across from Voyagaire Lake with scenic overlooks.

Boat Rentals

A boat day is a must while vacationing at Crane Lake. Everything from small kayaks to houseboats are available to you. Check out the following boat rental locations at Crane Lake: 

• Trail’s End Resort
• Pine Point Lodge, Resort & Motel
• Cabins on Crane
• Nelson’s Resort
• Norway Lodge Resort & RV Park
• Voyageurs Guide Service and Property Management
• Anderson’s Outfitters
• Scott’s Resort & Seaplane Base
• Handberg’s Marina
• Scott’s Peaceful Valley
• Sherrick’s Resort
• Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats

Houseboats

A vacation at Crane Lake is full of unique opportunities that you may not find at home. One of these is renting your very own houseboat and truly experiencing life on the lake. Disconnect from the stressors of everyday life and reconnect with nature and yourself on a Crane Lake houseboat. The following locations offer houseboat rentals: 

• Pine Point Lodge, Resort & Motel 
• Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats

Golf

Some vacations aren’t complete without at least one trip to the golf course. Golfers everywhere will enjoy Vermillion River Greens. This stunning course is conveniently located just 15 minutes down the road from Crane Lake. Amenities of this course include cart and club rentals at affordable rates, driving ranges, and on-site taverns.

ATV

The woods and trails of Crane Lake are the perfect place to enjoy riding your ATV. One of the missions of Crane Lake is to create an ATV trail system in Voyageur Country and promote safe, responsible riding. If you do not have your own ATV and are looking to rent one, Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats offers ATV rentals.

Skiing & Snowshoeing 

The summer is not the only great time to visit Crane Lake; this beautiful area has a ton to offer its winter visitors as well! Strap on your skis or snowshoes and check out all the trails that Crane Lake has to offer, even when it’s snowing. Some great trails to explore include: 

• The Grouse Hunter Walking Trail – 1.75 mile loop found off Nelson Road
• The Statue Loop – under 1 mile loop found behind Pierre the Voyageur
• The Vermilion Gorge Trail – 1.5 miles one way across from Voyagaire Lodge

Snowmobiling

Crane Lake offers miles of well maintained trails in the winter that are perfect for snowmobiling. Experience the beautiful snowscape of Crane Lake via its well marked and groomed trails covered in pillowy snow. Snowmobiling on these trails will be a hit for everyone. If you are looking to rent a snowmobile, Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats and Voyageurs Guide Service & Property Management offer snowmobile rentals.

Birding

While many people come to Crane Lake for the fish, the birds are just as spectacular. Birding is a favorite activity for visitors of Crane Lake because of the wide variety of species that inhabit the area. Whether you are a bird expert or just a novice who is interested in all the animals Crane Lake has to offer, be sure to pack your binoculars so that you don’t miss any of them.

Shopping

What’s a vacation without a little shopping? Even in this quiet lake area of northern Minnesota, you can still find some great places to shop, and you may even go home with your new favorite souvenir. Be sure to stop by and support the small businesses in our area, including: 

• Anderson’s Outfitters
• Nelson’s Resort 
• Scott’s Resort & Seaplane Base
• Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats
• Handberg’s Marina
• Pine Point Lodge, Resort, and Motel
• Cabins on Crane