Northwest Minnesota Lakes

Where the prairie meets the pine. Northwest Minnesota provides the outdoor enthusiast with options. This zone has some of the most productive fishing lakes in the state. Due to colder annual temperatures, ice fishing is very popular. There are several great options for hiking, camping, and snowmobiling as well. Several Native American reservations host very unique outdoor recreational activities. Make sure to check with the local authorities on current regulations on Northwestern Minnesota Lakes. This land has history. Lake Itasca is located here. The Mississippi river starts its journey through the United States here. Humans have been drawn to this place for thousands of years.

Northwestern Minnesota Ecology

Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and Moose, are all extreme animals. They can be found here in Northwest Minnesota. Where the summers are mild, and the winters brutal. Climate in this region shapes the environment. The majority of the lakes here are natural with a some exceptions. Rain and snow replenishes the watershed. Droughts historically have not lasted long. The negative influence today is human. Most of the extreme animals have had problems. Moose populations being the most urgent. Through loss of habitat by man and other invasive organisms that come with him. The moose does not thrive here anymore. Many indigenous plants and animals have, and will go extinct. A Northwestern Minnesota lake cabin boom has been largely destructive. Shoreline plant life is the breeding ground for  small critters and fish. Humans like to dredge the shore and put sand down. I am not gonna lie, we like sandy beaches as much as everyone else. Just gonna have to find middle ground so everyone doesn’t do it everywhere. Chains of lakes are found in Northwestern Minnesota. These provide anglers the opportunity to take a trip from one body of water to another via river. Traveling here is great fun. Take canoe down the Mississippi. Also, makes it easy for invasive species to travel in chains. Some northwest lake chains have seen and influx of pests. Hitchhikers from other lakes or states. Be conscious of your luggage and don’t leave any behind. Farming is coming to NW Minnesota. Through satellite photography we can see plots of crops creeping into the wetlands. Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides in giant sections. These images are disturbing. Hopefully the trend reverses, and the forests can return.

Northwestern Minnesota Counties

Becker County

Beltrami County

Cass County

Clay County

Clearwater County

Douglas County

Grant County

Hubbard County

Kittson County

Lake of the Woods

Mahnomen County

Marshall County

Norman County

Otter Tail County

Pennington County

Polk County

Red Lake County

 Roseau County

 Todd County

 Traverse County

Wadena County

Wilkin County