Crosslake Minnesota

Crosslake, a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, is a destination as charming as it is scenic. Crosslake is located on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and is home to the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, a series of Minnesota Lakes peppered with lovely, secluded islands. With a population of approximately 1900, Crosslake is the picture of small town charm set against a backdrop of amazing scenery and beauty. So come on over, kick back along the 121 miles of gorgeous lakefront shoreline and experience true relaxation in north central Minnesota!

Crosslake was originally established as a small logging community of north central Minnesota. After the Cross Lake Dam was constructed in 1885, logging became a booming industry in the region and many lumberjacks settled in the Crosslake area. During the days of Prohibition in the 1920’s, Crosslake and the surrounding areas became a haven for notorious gangsters such as Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, Legs Diamond and John Dillinger. In fact, legend has it that area roads such as Bourbon Lane and Old Whiskey Road, were named for the hidden stills and other bootlegging operations that once peppered the surrounding countryside. As the logging and railway industries declined in the 1920’s and 1930’s, Crosslake and the surrounding north central Minnesota area emerged as one of the premiere vacation destinations for tourists from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and other parts of the midwest. Today, with its luxurious resorts, countless amenities and the pristine wilderness surrounding the city, Crosslake is a fabulous destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Downtown Crosslake is home to unique shops and cozy restaurants, providing an excellent afternoon activity for the whole family. Antique lovers will delight in the large variety of relics for sale in the local shops. Golfers can catch a glimpse of the local wildlife as they play one of the seventeen area courses. Boats are welcome on the Whitefish Chain lakes and spending a day relaxing on the soft waves will create delightful memories for you and your family. Fishing is plentiful and many area resorts features package deals that will assist everyone from the novice to the expert fishermen in their quest to catch the perfect specimen. In winter, enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or ice fishing in the Whitefish Chain area. Regardless of the season, you are such to find an abundance of exciting activities and events.

If you happen to be a history buff, a visit to the Historic Log Village in Crosslake is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Here, adults and children alike will enjoy hearing about the days when pioneer settlers made their way into the central Minnesota region to build their homes and communities. The Historic Log Village features a turn of the century schoolhouse, a bunkhouse and a logger’s shack, all meticulously restored and maintained.

Every year in March, Crosslake hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration, a Irish American tradition at its best! Crosslake Days is another annual community celebration, featuring five days and nights of Minnesota revelry. Held annually in late summer, Crosslake Days celebrates the history, culture and laidback lake lifestyle of the Crosslake community. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy events such as the classic car show, the boat parade, cook-offs, costume contests and athletic tournaments.

For a unique and truly memorable winter experience, plan to visit Crosslake during the annual weekend of Winter Fest, beginning in late January. On Friday evening, Winter Fest is opened with a spectacular fireworks display. Saturday and Sunday activities include a pancake breakfast, snowmobile rides for the kids, ice bowling, dog sled races and even daring car races on frozen lakes, ice condition permitting, of course. With so much snowy fun, Winter Fest is sure to create wonderful winter memories in the Crosslake region for you and your family this year.

Located on the Whitefish Chain, there are numerous options when it comes to accommodations during your visit to Crosslake, Minnesota. As you plan your stay, you will be impressed by the plethora of comfortable resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts located in or around Crosslake. If sleeping in a tent or RV in the forests is more your style, be sure to check out the countless camping facilities around the Whitefish Chain. If you are planning a lengthier visit, considering renting, or even purchasing, one of the beautiful vacation homes located on the shores the lakes in and around Crosslake.

Surrounded by the splendor of pine forests and the crystal clear lakes of the Whitefish Chain, Crosslake is a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in the glories of nature. Modern conveniences such as restaurants, stores and activities are accessible, but certainly not intrusive, in this majestic region of the great state of Minnesota. So, check it out and plan your next vacation in the Crosslake, MN region. The memories you and your family create will be ones that you will always cherish as you remember your time in Crosslake!

Crosslake, MN

Like most other areas within Minnesota, Crosslake is also a region with a large water presence. That is the reason why it is a center of tourism and a wonderful area to settle also. The lakes present in Crosslake are all connected with various kinds of tourist activities, including golfing, fishing and cruising, which has made the city a very popular area for people from all over the world to visit.

Location

Crosslake is a small city located in the Crow Wing County of Minnesota. It is situated within the Micropolitan Statistical Area of Brainerd on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. It is located very close to Brainerd, one of the important cities of Minnesota and the seat of the Crow Wing County.

Crosslake is situated on the highly popular Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which is a collection of 14 of the most famous lakes of Minnesota. Due to its specific situation, Crosslake is known to have a northern culture which is a big draw for tourists coming from down south.

Importance

The city of Crosslake is important for its tourism and the economy that it generates due to it. The Whitefish Chain of Lakes are particularly notable here. There are plenty of resorts and holiday attractions built along the lakes areas, including theme parks. The lakes also see a large number of cruise operators which entertain people in groups as well as individually. These cruises are open for parties and other kinds of celebrations and get-togethers also.

Agriculture is an important occupation in Crosslake. Various northern crops are grown and harvested here, including oats, wild rice and alfalfa. Allies industries such as dairy and poultry are also present in good measure.

Size and Population

The entire area of Crosslake is 36.9 square miles out of which 11.3 square miles is occupied by water. The elevation of the city is 1,240 feet. It has about one-third of its area covered with water, which incidentally becomes an important part of the economy of the city because of the large tourism industry it harbors. The city has a commendable 121 miles of shoreline, which it shares with the various lakes.

The population of Crosslake is quite low, at 1,893. A total of 900 households constitute this population. Crosslake is more of a family oriented city than most other cities within Minnesota.

Attractions

Crosslake contains about fourteen lakes collectively known as the Whitefish Chain of lakes. This is the most prominent tourist attraction here. The area abounds in fishing, where people look for pike, bass, trout, walleye and other species of fish. The lakes are also famous for the guided boat cruises, which are particularly enjoyed by family vacationers that visit here.

Land activities include golfing, for which there are several resorts dotting the entire area. People who visit here are also charmed by the rich Indian lore and history present in the area. The Crosslake Historical Log Village and the Crosslake Town Square are always abuzz with tourist activity, and are also areas where good cuisine is found aplenty.

Many events are organized in Crosslake which keeps the natives in high spirits almost throughout the year and also enthrall the visitors. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a lot of pomp and gaiety in Crosslake. The 4th of July celebrations are also noteworthy, especially with the parade that most of the people participate in and the fireworks. September 23 to 27 are celebrated as Crosslake Days, when fun events are organized for locals and tourists such as car shows, treasure hunts, etc.

Living Facilities

Crosslake is full of tourist resorts where backpackers as well as family vacationers can stay peacefully. Because of the various lakes here, the lakeshore resorts are much in demand and are also pricier. During spring, summer and fall, which are the peak seasons here, advance bookings are needed in most of the resorts. Predictably, spring to fall is the peak tourist season here, when it becomes difficult even for vacationers to find accommodation. Various kinds of accommodations are available here – cabins, log houses, cottages, resorts, apartments, hotels, condo, etc. all are available for various budgets and preferences.

There are also several estate agents operating here that guide people who are looking for permanent lake homes in the area. The city becomes a good place to settle because of its good climate, which is cool throughout the year (suitable for the tourism) and cold in the winters. If you are looking for a retirement home or a home where you would get a completely tranquil atmosphere, then Crosslake is the place to go for. However, it is advisable to do some research on the kind of housing available and the kind of neighborhoods here so that you can choose the right kind of neighborhood for settling in here. However, all in all, Crosslake is a wonderful place to settle and you can look for a calm peaceful like in its lush surroundings.