Public Beaches

BREEZY POINT

Public Swimming Beach
Located on Sand Beach Drive, Breezy Point 

A public swimming beach is open on Sand Beach Drive.  Comfortable benches were added for your beach and "sunset" viewing pleasure.  There are restroom facilities available on-site.  Help keep the beach area clean for the next visitors, it's appreciated. 

CROSSLAKE 

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Dam and Recreational Park
Located on Cty Rd. 3, Crosslake  

There are two swimming beaches, a playground, many scenic campsites, and boat access to Crosslake. The Corps of Engineers dam controls the level of the entire Whitefish Chain. This is Crosslake's oldest historical site, surveyed by Joseph N. Nicollet in 1836 as a part of his Survey of the Upper Mississippi Territory. 

As you drive, cycle or walk into the campground, head to your right to the camping check-in area to read the interpretive panel that tells the story of the dam tender and how Babe the Blue Ox helped create the dam. 

You can also visit the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Assoc's. Exhibit Room in the Administrative building. See the world's largest Paul Bunyan rag doll.

IDEAL TOWNSHIP

Big Island Beach at Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area
In the middle of Whitefish Lake

A rare surviving example of an undisturbed old-growth maple-basswood forest, trees 150 years old tower up to 100 feet above the forest floor, sheltering a rich assortment of flowering plants unusual this far north in Minnesota. The butternut tree found here is the northwesterly-most record for this species. If the island escapes catastrophic intrusion, such as fire, tornado or human impact, this remarkable plant community may prosper for hundreds of years. The undisturbed, natural character of Big Island attracts scientists and ecologists who study forest processes and natural systems. Information gained from this unusual setting can be used to form ecological blueprints useful in creating and maintaining Minnesota's valuable resources for future generations.

This setting was the inspiration for local artist, Tom Ottoson's beautiful oil painting, Summer. Capturing the essence of summer like nothing else can, the children playing on this sunny sandy beach harken us all back to our own treasured memories of the carefree summer adventures of childhood. The painting was selected for the cover of the Pine River vacation guide in 2007.

PINE RIVER

Pine River Swimming area at Kater Park
Barclay Ave. at the Pine River

A swimming dock, built-in bleachers and parking is located on the north side of the Kater Park bridge. This area is one of the focal points for the Pine River Summerfest events, which include the famous Pine River Duck Races. Look for the Interpretive panel kiosk on the south side of the bridge and read Paul Bunyan's tale of the Giant Ducks. It'll quack you up!

BOAT & WATER SPORTS RENTALS

Al's Marine
36685 Cty Rd 66, Crosslake (218) 692-3752
Pontoon rentals

Your Boat Club (previoiusly Bait Box Marina)
36624 Cty Rd 66, Crosslake (218) 692-3850
Rents pontoons, houseboats, fishing boats, canoes, outboard motors and personal watercraft

Bertha Boatworks and Marina
6846 Cty Rd 16, Pequot Lakes (218) 543-4100
Pontoon rentals; boat, wake board & ski rentals

Breezy Point Marina
Breezy Point (218) 562-7811
Rents boats & motor, pontoons, kayaks

Wind, Water & Wheels:
36420 Co Rd 66, Crosslake (612) 581-2144.
Buy & rent kayaks & paddle boards. Shuttle kayaks to the Pine River and other area waterways. Kayaking classes. Crow Wing Paddlers Club open to the public.

Aquatic Invasive Species:

What Recreational Boaters Should Do