Don't let the name fool you. Leech Lake, part of the Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Headwaters Project, is a wonderful waterside destination for the whole family. Most visitors don't encounter any issues with leeches and enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at this picturesque lake.
The Leech Lake Dam construction was completed in 1884 by the US Army Corps of Engineers when it became the second dam part of the Headwaters reservoir system. The resulting reservoir, Leech Lake, is now the third largest lake in Minnesota, with over 100,00 acres of water. The depths of the lake reach 156 feet and it has a total of 195 miles of shoreline. The north and east shores of the lake are dominated by swamp, bog, and marsh areas.
The dense trees of the Chippewa National Forest surround the lake entirely, providing an amazing wilderness setting. The makeup of the forest is mixed with types of elm, maple, ash, birch, and pine. Explorers will love the 19 different inlets of the lake and the views from the dam site. Crossing the Leech Lake Dam is like crossing the iconic Mississippi River since it's one of its tributaries.
Leech Lake COE camping is a luxurious experience. The location of the campground coupled with the amenities and activities offered make this area a desirable vacation spot. Making this their base, campers can easily travel to Winnibigoshish Lake, Big Lake, and Cass Lake. It's easy to see how Minnesota earned its nickname the "Land of 10,000 Lakes".
Visitors will want to set their GPS to Federal Dam, Minnesota and follow the signs to the dam and recreation area. The roads are easily navigable in an RV, especially during the peak season. In the winter, traveling to Leech Lake for some snowmobiling or snowshoeing can become more difficult. Carry winter-appropriate gear and allow extra time to reach your destination due to changing weather conditions.
Parking for a large rig at Leech Lake is problem-free. Both the recreation area and the campground have parking constructed to accommodate big trailers and motorhomes.
The pet-friendly COE campground at Leech Lake Recreation Area is the perfect home away from home when you're visiting the lake. There are a total of 73 campsites suitable for RVs, and an additional four sites are for tents only. Five sites enjoy full hookups, and all the other RV sites have 50 amp electric hookups. Driving a large rig is no problem here; the biggest campsites can handle a motorhome or trailer up to 141 feet.
This campground accepts reservations, and they are recommended during the peak summer season. Leech Lake Campground is a popular place to stay due to its proximity to the lake but also because of its many fantastic amenities. Make use of the convenient showers, water taps, and flush toilets. Campers can also use the onsite laundry facilities and dump station.
There are plenty of activities at this Army COE campground to keep everyone entertained. Try a challenging game of volleyball, basketball, or badminton. For something a little more low key, head to the shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits or let the kids run around at the playground. You can easily get your boat in the water using the campground's boat ramp into Portage Bay. They will even let you moor your boat here overnight.
There is no official swimming area at the Leech Lake Recreation Area, but that doesn't mean you can't take a dip. The lake is so large that you're bound to find an area of the shore that suits your swimming preferences. Whether it's a shallow, gradual entry or something deeper you can quickly find your own swimming area.
If you feel comfortable, you can also take the plunge into the water from a boat. Use extreme caution though, the lake can be busy with motorized boats. Find a quiet cove and enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day.
Leech Lake is huge. Exploring it fully would probably take longer than most vacations allow. One of the best ways to cover as much area as possible is to get in a boat. Motorized boats are welcome on the lake as are paddle boats like canoes and kayaks. There are almost 200 miles of interesting shoreline to navigate and explore.
Why not have a day of sightseeing from the water while doing a little fishing or sunbathing? Popular pastimes also include waterskiing and tubing if you have the equipment. Campers can moor their boats overnight at the campground's mooring canal.
The Leech Lake Dam Recreation Area offers a picnic shelter that can be reserved in advance. Aside from the shelter, there are also separate picnic areas throughout the day-use area. This central location is a great spot to set up for a day of relaxation. Restrooms are nearby, as is the boat ramp with river access and a fish cleaning station.
The shores of the COE lake present opportunities to picnic with stunning lake and forest views. If the shelters and picnic facilities are busy, you can still have a relaxing meal outside on your blanket or towel.
Anglers who visit Leech Lake can fish from the shoreline or by boat. Boat access if a breeze, no matter where you'd prefer to fish. From the campground and recreation area, there are a total of three boat ramps. One will get you directly into Leech River and the other two onto the lake. In fact, one of the COE lake's ramps takes you right in or out of the mooring canal.
The most popular catches at Leech Lake are walleye and musky, but anglers may also have luck finding northern pike, crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish.
The area 300 feet both above and below the dam is off-limits to fishing. A valid fishing license is also required.
One of the best hiking trails in the area is the Soo Line Trail - Northern Route. It passes through Federal Dam Minnesota, very close to the Leech Lake Dam Recreation Area. The trail itself spans 113 miles from Moose Lake in the south to Cass Lake in the north. The trail is predominantly gravel and suitable for most hikers.
From Walker, Minnesota, on the southwest side of the lake, hikers can pick up a section of the Heartland Trail. Cyclists and hikers can explore the 27-mile section of the trail that runs from Walker to Park Rapids.
For visitors looking for a leisurely evening stroll, you can always just walk along the shoreline and into the pretty forests that surround Leech Lake.
As you explore the shoreline and dense forests at Leech Lake, you are bound to encounter some of the local animal residents. Some are easier to spot than others so it's a good idea to always keep your camera handy.
Some of the larger animals that call this park home are black bear, deer, and bobcat. However, beaver and porcupine are probably a more common sight. In the trees and sky, watch out for bald eagles and the great horned owl. In the lake itself, you are likely to spot the Minnesota state bird - the common loon.
