There are a ton of options if you’re planning a trip to Northern Minnesota and Walker is a great place to start.
Walker is a city located in the northern part of Minnesota, in Cass County. It has a population of only around 1,000 people and is known for its scenic beauty, with many lakes and forests in the surrounding area.
The city is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months, when people come to enjoy boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The Paul Bunyan State Trail, a popular biking and hiking trail, runs through the city. Additionally, the Leech Lake area, which includes several large lakes, is located nearby, and is a popular destination for fishing and other water sports. And we deliver to this area!
Here are a few ideas for family vacations around Walker:
Take a trip to Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park is a state park in northern Minnesota, located about an hour’s drive from Walker. It is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, which flow out of Lake Itasca. The park covers more than 32,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.
Some of the things to do at Itasca State Park include:
- Hiking: The park has more than 100 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. The most popular trail is the Headwaters Trail, which follows the Mississippi River from its source to the park’s visitor center.
- Fishing: The park has a number of lakes and streams that are stocked with a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and bass. You’ll need a Minnesota fishing license to fish in the park.
- Camping: Itasca State Park has four drive-in campgrounds and several backcountry campsites. The drive-in campgrounds have modern amenities such as showers and flush toilets, while the backcountry campsites are more rustic and can only be accessed on foot or by canoe.
- Boating: The park has several lakes that are open to boating, including Lake Itasca, which is the source of the Mississippi River. Non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes, while motorized boats are allowed on some lakes. Let us know which lake you’re planning to visit and we can set up boat delivery and pickup for you!
- Picnicking: There are several picnic areas in the park, some with shelters and grills.
- Nature watching: Itasca State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and white-tailed deer. The park also has a number of interpretive programs and guided tours that allow visitors to learn more about the park’s natural history.
Visit the Chippewa National Forest
Photo by Tony Webster
The Chippewa National Forest which is also located within an hour’s drive of Walker is home to a number of lakes and streams, and offers activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The forest covers more than 1.6 million acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and even timber wolves.
Some of the activities you can enjoy in Chippewa National Forest include:
- Hiking: The forest has more than 700 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Many of the trails offer stunning views of the forest’s lakes and streams.
- Fishing: The forest has a number of lakes and streams that are stocked with a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and bass. Don’t forget that you’ll need a Minnesota fishing license to fish in the National Forest area.
- Boating: The forest has a number of lakes that are open to boating, including motorized and non-motorized boats. The National Forest covers a large area so check with us on boat delivery options first.
- Camping: Chippewa National Forest has several campgrounds, some with modern amenities such as showers and flush toilets, and others that are more rustic. The forest also has a number of backcountry campsites that can only be accessed on foot or by canoe.
- Wildlife viewing: The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and white-tailed deer. There are several designated viewing areas where you can observe these animals in their natural habitat.
- Hunting: The forest is open to hunting during certain times of the year, and you’ll need a Minnesota hunting license to hunt in the forest.
Head to Leech Lake
Leech Lake is a large lake located in northern Minnesota, just a few miles from Walker. It is the third-largest lake in the state and is known for its clear waters and excellent fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and panfish.
Some of the activities you can enjoy on Leech Lake include:
- Fishing: Leech Lake is a popular destination for fishing, and is known for its excellent walleye and northern pike fishing. The lake is also home to a variety of other fish species, including panfish, bass, and muskie. You’ll need a Minnesota fishing license to fish on the lake and we can provide the perfect boat for your fishing trip!
- Boating: Leech Lake is a popular destination for boating, and there are several marinas and boat launches around the lake. The lake is home to several islands and bays, which are great for exploring by boat. Let us know when you want your boat delivered!
- Swimming: Leech Lake has several public beaches where you can swim, as well as several resorts with pools.
- Hiking: The lake has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
- Biking: The lake has a number of bike trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding forests.
- Golfing: There are several golf courses located near Leech Lake, including the Championship Course at The Wilds Golf Club.
Check out the Paul Bunyan State Trail
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a multi-use recreational trail in Minnesota that runs from Brainerd to Bemidji. The trail is named after the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and follows the route of an old railroad line. The trail is about 120 miles long and is open to a variety of activities, including biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Some of the highlights of the Paul Bunyan State Trail include:
- Scenic views: The trail offers beautiful views of the forests, lakes, and streams of northern Minnesota.
- Wildlife viewing: The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and black bears.
- Historical sites: The trail passes through several historical sites, including the Itasca State Park visitor center, the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, and the Paul Bunyan Land theme park.
- Rest stops: The trail has several rest stops with restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables.
- Camping: The trail has several campgrounds along its route, including the Bemidji Riverfront Campground and the Mississippi Headwaters Campground.
- Rentals: Several businesses along the trail offer rentals for bikes, skis, and other equipment.
Explore Local Museums and Attractions
If you’re looking for something more cultural, you have multiple options around Walker.
- The Northern Lights Casino & Hotel: This casino and event center is home to the Leech Lake Area Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of the Leech Lake area. The museum features exhibits on the Ojibwe people, the logging industry, and the early settlement of the region. This is also where you’ll find the Paul Bunyan Land Amusement Park, which is a family-friendly amusement park featuring rides, games, and other attractions.
- The Cass County Historical Society: This organization operates a small museum located in Walker that is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of Cass County. The museum features exhibits on the early settlement of the region, the logging industry, and the Ojibwe people.
- The Minnesota Military Museum: This museum is located about an hour away in Little Falls, Minnesota and is dedicated to preserving and displaying the military history of Minnesota. It features exhibits on various military conflicts throughout history, including the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Overall, there are several interesting museums and other cultural attractions located in and around Walker, Minnesota. Whether you’re interested in history, military history, or just looking for some family-friendly fun, there is something for everyone in the area.
Relax at a Resort
If a more relaxed vacation appeals to you, consider spending some time at one of the resorts in the area. Many of these resorts offer activities such as golfing, spa treatments, and swimming.
