Swim & Boat

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 a world-record holding Paul Bunyan rag doll.

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.

Make a stop at the beautiful Rock Riffle Dam. It’s perfect place to take the family for a picnic or a dip in the Pine River. Completed in 2022, boulders stretch across the water in descending rows, holding pools of water in between – like a giant staircase for fish.

Now that’s a Bunyan-sized fish tale waiting to be told! It features an upgraded city park, an expanded beach, a floating dock and diving raft, fishing docks, and launching spots for kayaks and canoes. Upcoming improvements include a new pavilion, additional park space, benches, and bathroom space.