Minnesota Lake Towns – Check out Walker – Lindsey Ranzau
My name is Lindsey Ranzau and I run a local MN travel website called Look About Lindsey. I spend my free time exploring the hidden gems of Minnesota with the goal of inspiring others to get out and explore their state!
I was recently published a post about the “Best Minnesota Lake Towns” and featured Walker as one of my favorites! For a true Northern MN experience with shopping, restaurants, and lakeside resorts… all Minnesotans check out Walker and Leech Lake for themselves!
Minnesota lake towns can be found all around the state, not just up North! The towns that sit on the lakes are part of what make the Minnesota lake experience so great, so here’s a list of our favorites, and a little detail on how we’re able to visit so many.
Our family joined Your Boat Club last summer and it was the best way to experience the many lakes of Minnesota. We pay a fee each summer (your fee depends on the tier you choose to purchase) and you’re able to rent boats on lakes around the state all summer long! Everything from speed boats, fishing boats, and pontoons. It’s the best!
Note: Not all lakes listed here are locations of Your Boat Club. Also, I haven’t been to every lake town in MN, so I’m sure I’m missing some great ones, but here’s my list!
Best Minnesota Lake Towns – Up North
Duluth
I can’t make a Minnesota lake towns post without the greatest lake of all: Lake Superior. Duluth is less of a town and more of a city, but it still is great for boating and exploring! We loved boating around with Your Boat Club in the harbor with the iconic bridge in the backdrop. A must do!
Related post: Must-see stops along Minnesota’s North Shore
Walker
Walker Minnesota sits on the shores of Leech Lake, one of the biggest lakes in the state. It’s a true Northwoods town where our favorites include the adorable Walker General Store, the delicious Piggy BBQ, and amazing Trapper’s Landing Lodge where we stayed!
Related post: A summer weekend in Walker MN
Nisswa
Nisswa is my favorite Northern town and sits near many different lakes like the Whitefish Chain, Gull Lake, and Pelican Lake. Make sure to stop by the Chocolate Ox candy shop and they many other knick knack shops and boutiques!
Relaed post: Things to do in Nisswa MN
Alexandria
Alexandria is 2 hours Northwest of Minneapolis and is a gem of a town! Grab a pizza at Zorbaz right on Lake Le Home Dieu and afterwords take in the Norwegian history of the town. Get a photo with Big Ole, see the runestone at the museum, and then head to Carlos Creek Winery or Copper Trail Brewing Company for a drink!
Related post: 5 Things to do in Alexandria MN
Sauk Centre
We spend so much time in Sauk Centre each summer with family! Big Sauk Lake is right in town and there’s lots of great camping surrounding it. This little town has a lot of history, so make sure to stop by The Palmer House, which is a hotel and cafe that is supposedly haunted (you can even take ghost tours!), and take a stroll on the Original Main Street from the writings of Sinclair Lewis. We also love to bike and rollerblade on the nicely paved Lake Wobegon Trail, grab coffee at Jitter’s Java Cafe, and get frozen yogurt at Outpost Mercantile!
Longville
Longville is right on Girl Lake and is home of Minnesota’s famous turtle races! Try this out in the summer, but also make sure to check out the cute Pine Company boutique and Frosty’s Ice Cream. So fun!
Related post: Things to do in Longville MN
Grand Rapids
We stayed at the best bed and breakfast in Grand Rapids called The Green Heron. It’s right on Pokegama Lake and offers the best meals and water sports! Grand Rapids another Zorbaz (sensing a theme here??), an great farmers market, Northwoods Candy Company, and my favorite Lake & Co Shop which also puts out the Lake & Co Magazine!
Related post: A weekend in Grand Rapids MN
Best Minnesota Lake Towns – South
Albert Lea
Only one lake town in this section, so that means we need to visit more southern MN lakes! Albert Lea is home to Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake. We spent the fishing opener here and loved it! Especially loved the Pelican Breeze paddle boat tour, the old school B&B Cafe with the BEST pancakes, the Interchange for pizza and wine, and Three Oak Wines for even more wine!
