Lake of the Woods is so gigantic, it borders two Canadian provinces and the state of Minnesota. Anglers flock here from far and wide to reel in northern pike, jumbo perch, muskies, sauger sturgeon and, of course, walleye, which are so plentiful that they put this area on the map as the Walleye Capital of the World.

The area comprises Lake of the Woods, Rainy River, and the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the Lower 48, and has an abundance of public access points and lakeside resorts. Summer is the best time to charter a boat with a downrigger, often with a tasty shore lunch included.

A vintage Willie the Walleye postcard

Come winter, Lake of the Woods is also a popular destination for ice fishing, with many resorts providing fish houses so guests can jig in comfort. If you still can’t catch a live one, stop by the 40-foot-tall Willie the Walleye statue in Baudette for a guaranteed trophy photo. 🎣

For more ideas of fun things to do in Northwest Minnesota, check out Ashlea Halpern’s Enter Your Dream State guide at Explore Minnesota.

Lake of the Woods