It's a great day to take in the variety of recreational opportunities along the Byway. Grab your golf clubs, fishing tackle, and swimsuit for the day exploring the Byway's recreational resources.

Golf

Start the day with golf - before the heat of the day. Enjoy challenging golf at Whitebirch or one of the other Breezy Point Resort courses. Challenge yourself at the four and a half star Whitefish Golf Club located on CSAH 16. You might want to enjoy the new 18 hole Wildwedge Golf Course or practice your putting skills by playing miniature golf at Wildwedge's Mini-Golf, both near AmericInn at the intersection of #16 and Hwy. 371.

Boating and Swimming

Want to get out on the lakes? Stop at Bait Box Marina or Bertha Marina for several options of watercraft rentals, then take off for fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the Whitefish Chain. There are plenty of public access points along the Byway; at Bertha Lake, Clamshell Lake, Cross Lake, Big Pine Lake, and Pelican Lake. If beaches and swimming are your cup of tea, spend the day at the Crosslake Corps of Engineers Recreation Area on Cross Lake or at the public beach in Pine River. Enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, golfing, or just basking in the sun along the Byway.

Family Resorts and Fishing

Once there were hundreds of family-owned resorts around the many area lakes. Those that have survived remain busy and active. All have colorful histories dating back to the early 1900s. Hay Lake Lodge, opened in 1911 as ViLu Resort and is now a private townhouse complex, featuring a 100-year old bell atop its current central building. Clamshell Beach Resort, built in the 1930's was owned by famous Whitefish area fishing guides George and Rollie Johnson from 1941-1965. Boyd Lodge, owned by the same family since its beginnings in 1934 until 2008, once raised mink for extra income. Black Pine Beach Resort, developed in 1939, was financed by a Nebraska banker who, it's said, pounded a few nails himself in constructing the first cabins. It now features the popular Secret Garden, known for its 'elf notes'. Beacon Shores Resort was once called Beacon Heights and catered to Christian families that were also members of a group called the Red Sea Mission; the owners' home doubled as the chapel. Bay View Lodge was a ribbon of pink cabins at one time during the 1970's and 80's before it was redone into the attractive spot it is today.

Pine Terrace Resort located on quiet Star Lake, was begun in the 1930's. It's a favorite spot for wildlife. Manhattan Beach Lodge was built in 1929 and was once a destination for the famous and infamous with ties to the gangster set of the 1930's and Hollywood's elite of later generations. Actor brothers James Arness and Peter Graves, popular in the 1960's-1980's, spent summer holidays at Oscawana Resort, built in 1926 and now known as Birch Hill Inne Bed and Breakfast. Heath's Resort, begun in the 1930's by popular fishing guide, Lee Heath, is now renowned for its expansive sandy beach, secure swimming area and exhilarating water activities.  Famous artist, Les Kouba, created several popular paintings based on his fishing experiences at Heath's Resort.

Want to do a little fishing yourself? Check with any family resort about renting a boat and motor. You might even get some hot tips on where to catch 'em!

Breezy Point Resort

Once owned by Captain Billy Fawcett of Whiz-Bang Comics fame, this resort also hosted the famous and infamous throughout its colorful history. Among the famous celebrities were Clark Gable and Carol Lombard who stayed at the Fawcett House (still located on the resort grounds). The original stone entrance gate was built by a man from the small nearby town of Pillager between 1925 and 1930.