Top 10 Lake Towns in Minnesota – Where to Visit

Introduction – The Best Lake Towns to Visit in MN

When it comes to finding the perfect vacation location, Northern Minnesota makes a strong argument as the very best. Between the vast, beautiful forests and lakes that scatter the land, and the activities that can be found within, there is something for everyone here! With incredible fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, birding, and just plain relaxing, Northern Minnesota can offer it all for an unforgettable vacation. Many of these incredible vacation spots revolve around the fantastic, quaint lake towns Northern Minnesota has. Let’s explore some of the best, and some lesser known but still incredible, lake towns that make Northern Minnesota such a special place!

Crane Lake Township

Near the border of Canada, Crane Lake Township resides on the infamous Crane Lake, known for its huge surface area, fantastic fishing, and incredible nature. The remoteness of Crane Lake makes for an incredible getaway; the perfect vacation place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Things to do Near Crane Lake Township

Crane Lake Township provides a ton of resources to help enjoy the lake. Marinas rent boats to access some of the incredible fishing Crane Lake has while allowing you to explore some of the untouched beauty of the lake. Voyageurs National Park is close by for an incredible nature experience. 

How to get to Crane Lake Township

The so-called “end of the highway” leads to Crane Lake Township. The town sits about 27 miles northeast of Orr, Minnesota and northeast of Cook, Minnesota, about 45 miles along County Roads 23 and 24.

Silver Bay

Naturally, Minnesota’s largest lake, Lake Superior, has some incredible lake towns to explore the vastness of a Great Lake. Amongst the best is Silver Bay, with a great mix of nature and modern amenities as one of the largest Minnesota towns along the coast of Lake Superior.

Things to do Near Silver Bay

Silver Bay has no shortage of activities. There are marinas to help access the Great Lake for some boating or fishing, there are ample trail space amongst the multiple state forests that surround the area, and there is even the Silver Bay Golf Course to help unwind. For some nature and some modern conveniences, Silver Bay is a great mix.

How to get to Silver Bay

Silver Bay sits along the Voyageur Highway, about halfway between Duluth and Grand Marais. Traveling from Duluth, head north for about 55 miles along Voyageur Highway and you can be in Silver Bay in about an hour!

Orr

Located on the shores of Pelican Lake, Orr is a small town that sits at the crossroads of highway 23 and major US highway 53. This quaint town offers some great lake amenities to help enjoy the beautiful Pelican Lake.

Things to do Near Orr

Orr has multiple lodges, inns, and campgrounds that can scale your experience to exactly how you want. From there, accessing the lake is easy for some great fishing or swimming. With a lot of the lake undeveloped, there is no shortage of nature to observe, especially around Big Island Scientific and Natural Area in the middle of the lake.

How to get to Orr

Orr sits only 17 miles north of Cook, Minnesota, and sits 54 miles south of International Falls, Minnesota (both paths along highway 53). Orr also has its own regional airport for small flights into town. 

Ely

One of the more developed lakes of the bunch, Shagawa Lake forms a coastline along Ely, Minnesota, another great little lake town. The so-called “headquarters for adventure”, Ely has a great menu of activities that span year-round and hosts the fantastic Ely Blueberry Arts Festival every July! 

Things to do Near Ely

Depending on the season, Ely can offer access to almost any activity! Skiing and snowmobiling are great winter activities while swimming, fishing, and hiking make for awesome summer days. Every July, the Ely Blueberry Arts Festival brings in fantastic local foods, beer, and art! Shagawa Lake is a peaceful one, making for incredible summer sunsets.

How to get to Ely

Ely sits along the Voyager Highway, just east of Burntside and a decent drive northwest of Isabella. While only a small, municipal airport, Ely does have an airport only about 6 miles south of the city center.

Tower/Soudan

Along the southern shore of the massive Lake Vermilion lies the small lake towns of Tower and Soudan. Originally formed around a mining operation, Tower has created a unique culture for itself. Closeby Lake Vermilion is the 5th largest lake by surface area for water entirely in Minnesota’s borders and serves as a backbone for the community. A more remote lake, there are tons of beautiful forests surrounding the towns. Tower also holds the record for coldest temperature in Minnesota, at -60 degrees Fahrenheit on a February day in 1996.

Things to do Near Tower

Lake Vermilion is home to fantastic fishing including northern pike, muskie, and bass. The huge lake gives plenty of opportunity to explore on a boat and find untouched wilderness. In town and nearby, there are plenty of hiking trails, a golf course, and a casino alongside some great bars. There is a place for everyone around Lake Vermilion.

How to get to Tower

Tower sits along Route 1, turning into Voyageur Highway in Soudan. Cook, Minnesota sits about 25 miles to the west of Tower. Virginia, Minnesota sits about 27 miles to the southwest along Route 169.

Kabetogama

This small lake community sits along the southern shores of the beautiful Kabetogama Lake. A small town of mostly resorts, there is an amazing quaintness to the town. With access to the incredible Voyageurs National Park, there are some incredible nature adventures to be had here.

Things to do Near Kabetogama

Kabetogama has a ton of space for a nice, private adventure all your own. During summers, hiking, fishing, and swimming are exquisite. Winter brings in some fantastic snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and much more. Regardless of the time of year, Kabetogama truly has no shortage of activities to partake in or the space to relax.

How to get to Kabetogama

Kabetogama town and lake sit just north of US Highway 53. Driving from International Falls, Minnesota, the drive is only 28 miles southeast along highway 53. Straight south of Kabetogama, 33 miles along highway 53, will get you to another great lake town in Orr.

Winton

A tiny community alongside the long Fall Lake, Winton, Minnesota, provides a fantastic place to unwind and go for adventure. With multiple cabins, lodges, and campgrounds scattered along Fall Lake and some of the other bodies of water in the area, there is a great space for you and your group.

Things to do Near Winton

There is no shortage of adventure around Winton. Fall Lake provides excellent fishing year-round, while also being connected to the infamous Boundary Waters Canoe Area that spans miles and miles through largely untouched Minnesota forests. Off the water, there are incredible hiking trails with amazing views around the lake and surrounding forests. In particular, Kawishiwi Falls Trail is an incredible view.

How to get to Winton

Winton is a fairly remote town, with the best way to get there being to travel east a few miles from Ely, Minnesota; just off Route 1. 

Babbitt

Along the southeast shore of Birch Lake, the town of Babbit resides, providing some incredible getaway opportunities. With both a more developed part of town and easy access to remote spots around Birch Lake and the nearby Bear Island Lake, there is a fantastic mix of both worlds here.

Things to do Near Babbitt

Babbitt has a great variety of activities to partake in! With a local golf course to easily accessible water for swimming/fishing and an excess of hiking trails, there is a little something for everyone around Babbitt. Places to stay include campgrounds, RV parks, lake resorts, and more! 

How to get to Babbitt

Babbitt sits about 17 miles south of Ely alongside Highway 21 North. The small communities of Wahlsten and Embarrass sit to the west of Babbitt, also along Highway 21.

Wheelers Point

Wheelers Point is a small community along Lake of the Woods, Rainy River, and the border with Canada. One of the furthest north towns in Minnesota, Wheelers Point is a wonderful place full of beauty and activities. A unique community, Wheelers Point is a great experience every time!

Things to do Near Wheelers Point

Wheelers Point, along Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake, has easy access to some of the best fishing in Minnesota. These bodies of water produce huge fish and even carry the legendary sturgeon in their waters. Besides fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, birding, hunting, and so much more can happen here year-round. 

How to get to Wheelers Point

Wheelers Point is just north of the larger town of Baudette, alongside Route 172. To the west of Wheelers Point is another smaller town of Warroad along Route 11, tucked into Muskeg Bay. 

Wakemup

A small community on the far western shores of the massive Lake Vermilion sits the quaint Wakemup. With a variety of places to stay and experiences to be had regardless of season, Wakemup is a great place to get away and explore the real Minnesota.

Things to do Near Wakemup

Wakemup has great variety in lodging, between lake resorts and campgrounds, while providing great access to the legendary Lake Vermilion. The lake has some incredible fishing, swimming, and exploration to be had. In town, Vermilion Fairways provides a great Minnesota golf experience. The hiking/snowmobiling trails in the area are incredible! 

How to get to Wakemup

A remote community, the best way to get to Wakemup is on Vermilion Drive, only a few miles north from Cook, Minnesota. Further south along Route 53 is Virginia, about 33 miles. 

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!

Conclusion – Plan Your Trip Today!

Northern Minnesota is home to some of the best nature in the country! With ample forests and lakes creating breathtaking wilderness, there is so much to see here. Many of these incredible lakes have quaint lake towns that support access to them with some incredible lodges and campgrounds to host you. Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, or anything in between, Minnesota lake towns are absolutely the place to be!