One of the finest outdoor locations in Minnesota, Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake, offers a unique and special experience for all those who visit this beautiful landscape that spans from Brainerd to Bemidji and to the Grand Rapids located in central Minnesota. Minnesota's lake country, as this region is often referred to, features six unique lakes; Cross Lake, Gull Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Leech Lake, Pokegama Lake, and Lake Winnibigoshish.
Those seeking a quiet and serene boating, fishing, or picnicking experience will love wandering around in this truly picturesque landscape, admiring the gorgeous weather, beautiful scenery, and glorious sunsets over calm and clear lake waters. Each lake offers the chance to partake in a variety of recreational activities for those who seek a little more adventure in their lives.
The region now known as Minnesota's lake country was created in part by the efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers who were made responsible for the construction of a 9-foot deep navigation channel connecting the regions between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The engineering project resulted in the creation of the lakes we see today and have helped boost tourism and the economy in the region.
The Mississippi River Headwaters Project was the name given to this engineering marvel that consisted of six headwater dams on each of the six lakes mentioned earlier. Included in this project is the current management of six US Army Corps of Engineers governed campgrounds that include several day-use areas for picnicking. The headwaters at Itasca State Park are simply a must-visit if you are traveling through this scenic landscape, and camping at Cross Lake is welcomed at the Cross Lake Recreational Area.
Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake is located in the north-central region of Minnesota, surrounded by beautiful scenic views and picturesque outdoor destinations. If you are looking to spend a few nights camping in this unique and special region, you are in luck, as getting to the campground and Cross Lake itself is fairly straightforward.
To get to Cross Lake Recreational Area from Brainerd, MN, simply take Highway 25 and turn right on to Country Road 3. Follow this road north to Cross Lake. The campground entrance will be at your left at the intersection of Country road 3 and 66. The roads are wide and well-maintained all the way to the lake, and the gravel roads inside the campground also offer tons of space to accommodate larger RVs and motorhomes.
Located on the eastern banks of Cross Lake, the campground offers RV enthusiasts the opportunity to avail themselves of full-hookup campsites that provide plenty of shade and privacy and are equipped with the most modern amenities. The campsites are spacious and offer electric, water, and sewage hookups for large RVs and motorhomes. Tall trees add to the scenic surroundings as well as helping to avoid the heat of summer. And the sunsets over the water are nothing short of magnificent.
If you were hoping to do some fishing while at the lake, the campground has two accessible fishing piers so you can try your hand at catching some dinner. The campground also offers modern flush toilets and showers, a beach area, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables, fire pits, picnic shelters, playgrounds and so much more. It has everything you need for fun in the sun. Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay at this wonderful campground.
The area around the Mississippi River Headwaters is called the Whitefish Chain of Lakes Region. It is home to a variety of fish species that make it a haven for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Sought-after fish species such as bluegills, crappie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and even lake trout are stocked in these waters, making it the ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world.
A fishing pier is available for those who wish to fish from shore, or you can also boat your way to more secluded fishing spots. Fish cleaning stations are also available close to the boat launch area.
What fun would it be to camp by a beautiful lake-side location and not be able to take to the waters? Well, at Cross Lake, boating is a popular activity that campers of all ages can take full advantage of. Two boat ramps are available at Cross Lake Recreational Area, and there is also a beach area if you prefer to take a dip in these cool lake waters.
Kayak, canoe or take your motorboats out for a spin and enjoy the panoramic views of tall pine trees, majestic open skies, and plenty of wildlife.
There is a paved bike trail available for those who prefer to take on the outdoors on two wheels. Ride through towering pine trees, and miles of scenic shoreline while getting plenty of exercise.
The bike trail begins at the city of Crosslake and takes bikers on a tour overlooking the lake shoreline and heavy woodlands surrounding these beautiful lakes. The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a popular biking trail that is paved for 115 miles between the Brainerd area and Bemidji State Park.
Nothing beats a lake-side picnic on a hot summer day. Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake offers picnicking enthusiasts the opportunity to spend the day basking in sunlight, swimming, and enjoying a multitude of activities all in comfort and under the supervision of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A specialized sport site, playground, picnic shelters, showers, flush toilets, and beach area make for a memorable and entertaining picnic with family and friends.
During winter, the landscape at Whitefish Chain of Lakes region is completely transformed and offers winter enthusiasts the opportunity to have some fun in the snow, whether it be skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or in-line skating.
Also, the colder temperatures mean that the crowds are far smaller. On a snow-covered trail, the frosty silence may lead you to feel as though you have the whole park to yourself.
Plenty of unmarked and marked trails run past Cross Lake that visitors can explore. These trails wind through dense hardwoods, wetlands, lakes, farmlands, and flower-rich meadows that are simply stunning to look at in the seasons of spring and fall. One can also hike to the Chippewa Lookout point that offers majestic views of the Mississippi River.
