Situated in Cass County and Crow Wing County, in the U.S. state of Minnesota, Gull Lake is the biggest lake in the Brainerd, Minnesota region. It's part of the six lakes of the Mississippi Headwaters Projects managed and operated by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Gull Lake is also the biggest lake in the region in terms of shoreline. The shoreline has been exquisitely created with private and business interests. For every shoreline mile, there are, on average, around 28 cabins or homes. The frequency and volume of tourists that arrive at this destination every year have also resulted in the establishment of about twenty nearby hotels on Gull Lake, including Cragun's, Madden's, and the Great View Cabin.
The region around Gull Lake was shaped by a retreating glacier that moved southward from Canada and helped carve the breathtaking valley landscape we see today.
The Gull Lake Recreation Area is located on the Gull Waterway at the outlet of Gull Lake, found 10 miles northwest of Brainerd, Minnesota. Visitors that arrive at the lake will have the chance to spot soaring bald eagles, deer, otters, an assortment of larks, and the amazing call of the loon.
The recreation zone offers boating, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and even features a playground for children. There is a vessel slope that provides access to Gull Lake. Fishing is accessible in a few areas around the recreation zone. There are also picnic zones and miles of shoreline to relax and enjoy.
More experienced adventurers can hike along the climbing trails that twist through the more undeveloped woodland regions that comprise of dense hardwood species and plenty of species of wildflowers.
If driving from Baxter, Minnesota take the intersection at MN 210 and MN 371 and drive north for about six miles. Turn left on CR 125 (Gull Lake Dam Road). From here it is another three miles to Gull Lake and there are signs leading the way to the campground and public access sites. The roads are wide and well-maintained and easily accessible by large-sized RVs, Motorhomes and even big rigs.
Gull Lake Recreational Area is the nearest campground, well-known for its spacious campsites that offer a luxurious and thoroughly enjoyable camping experience for all types of outdoor camping enthusiasts. Those who arrive in motorhomes and RVs can take advantage of the 50 or 30 amp electric hookup campsites that come with there own campfire rings and picnic tables. A boat ramp, beach area, and playground are some of the other perks of camping here. There are no sewer or water locales at this campground. However, access to drinking water and a dump station is provided. There are a total of 43 campsites available for reservation. Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of forest insects.
Boating is the most popular activity at Gull Lake. For the safety of the visitors, life jackets are available for use. Motor-boats are not allowed in little pond campground. Only rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are allowed. Rowboat, paddleboat, kayaks, and canoe rentals are also available on site.
One of the many joys of boating is that you get to enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings uninterrupted by trees and other objects. The forest looks astonishingly different from a boat. Boaters can get to completely clear waters all through the chain of lakes and appreciate the serene nightfalls overlooking the forest.
Fishing is another popular activity at Gull Lake. Many in the region, in fact, consider it one of the most lucrative fishing spots in Minnesota for catching walleye, northern pike, bass, and a variety of other panfish. Anglers can either fish from the shoreline or boat their way to more secluded fishing spots. The scenic views, calm waters, and a wide variety of fish species make this a great location to toss in a line no matter your age or experience.
Packing good hiking boots is recommended since there are awesome hiking trails to choose from near Gull Lake that vary in difficulty and length. The famous 100-mile Paul Bunyan Trail passes through this region, offering hikers the opportunity to explore the wilderness at there own pace and leisure. Other unmarked trails lead to scenic views of the lake and forests. Most of the hiking trails are pet-friendly.
Want a place to spend a romantic evening far away from noise and pollution? Or are your kids simply demanding for a day out adventuring? Gull Lake offers a scenic destination for a family picnic with tons of recreational activities and seclusive spots available to enjoy nature the way you want. Mississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake is certainly big enough to hold many family outings, and there are also numerous private places throughout the park for couples.
Day-use areas, picnic shelters are available as well as picnic tables and fire pits. Restrooms, showers, and a recycling center are also located close by for a relaxing and enjoying picnicking experience.
For people who enjoy and appreciate wildlife, Mississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake is a haven where they can relax and forget about the problems of city life. Residing among the many trails in the park are over 60 types of mammals alone, including beaver, porcupine, black bear, and timber wolves, to name but a few. There is also plenty of amazing species of flora in the park that you could never dream of finding in the city.
Mississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake also offers other wildlife experiences. It is home to many different species of birds and waterfowl. Birdwatchers will love watching tundra swans, wild turkeys, and woodcock nearby the shoreline. Likewise, it is also possible to sight double-crested cormorant and some species of eagles, bats, falcons, and hawks. Also, these pretty birds will make for incredible photos!
