When it comes to vacation and recreation destinations that are designed to inspire, Gull Lake, Minnesota is a top traveler locale. The Gull Lake region is made up of eight lakes in total, but the watery oasis that spans Cass County and Crow Wing County enjoys the title as the largest of them all. The entire collection of waterways includes Gull Lake, Upper Gull Lake, Margaret Lake, Roy Lake, Spring Lake, Round Lake, Love Lake, and Bass Lake. In addition to these lakes, the area includes two other bodies of water including Wilson’s Bay and Steamboat Bay.
No matter where you spend your time, Gull Lake offers up a sensational stretch of shoreline for visitors to enjoy and just as many commercial destinations to check out as well. Whether you come for a weekend or plan on staying through an entire season, there is no shortage of options for fun when you set your travel sights on Gull Lake.
Gull Lake Calls to Outdoor Adventurers
Many who travel to Gull Lake do so answering the call of their deep-seated interest in outdoor adventure. Gull Lake doesn’t disappoint when it comes to alluring terrain and physical features that offer up an abundance of opportunities for getting out and exploring.
In total, Gull Lake spans an impressive 9,947 acres, making it the largest lake that happens to sit within the East Gull Lake city limits. At 15.3 miles long and just under 3.5 miles wide, those planning on getting out on the water during their stay will find the lake’s depth to run near 80 feet and less than half of the lake hosting water levels of 15 feet or less. While there are some places where rubble and boulders lie, boaters appreciate that the waters consist mostly of gravel and sand combinations.
For visitors who have angling on the top of their to-do list when visiting Gull Lake, this is an area that’s known for its collection of brown trout. Anglers will find that while the center of the lake offers up options for a bite, the mouth of the Stony Brook Stream which feeds into Gull Lake is also an ideal destination for reeling in something exciting! Experienced anglers who happen to be in the area during the winter months might be interested in participating in the annual Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza. This charitable contest invites participants to try their luck at one of the 20,000 ice fishing holes that are drilled into the surface during this frigid time of year. The event is hosted by the Brainerd Jaycees and is a fun-for-all experience that maximizes time in the great outdoors even when temperatures drop!
In addition to brown trout, the waters of Gull Lake are home to a variety of other aquatic species as well. It’s estimated that over 35 species thrive in this area, including bass and panfish. Northern pike is frequently fished in Gull Lake, and in an attempt to boost ecosystems, walleye are regularly stocked in the waters as well. Gull Lake hosts the bulrush plant which is believed to work as a productive habitat for many of the fish species that live in these waters.
When you’re looking for interesting on-the-water places to explore in addition to angling adventures, there are plenty to choose from. Steamboat Bay and Gull Point are popular boating destinations that sit near scenic sand bars while Rocky Point, Grassy Point, Dutchman’s Bluff, and Government Point are all worth discovering while you’re here too!
Nearby Places to Explore
While many Gull Lake travelers take time to enjoy and explore the lake itself, Gull Lake’s location puts it in a great place to easily reach surrounding areas of interest and neighboring communities. Gull Lake is well within reach of East Gull Lake, Brainerd, and Nisswa, all of which host a variety of shops, dining stops, and entertainment options for travelers to enjoy. Lake Shore, Minnesota, and Baxter are also easily accessible during your Gull Lake stay.
Something for History Buffs
Visitors with a heart for history will find the area is rich in stories and places to explore. The Gull Lake area was a popular logging destination in the late 19th century and during that time, loggers would build temporary dams to aid their efforts. In 1912, Colonel Francis R. Shunk and George Freeman designed the official Gull Lake Dam, and with its construction, successfully raised the water level by 5 feet.
Seeing the dam itself is a testament to the passage of time and the influence of architecture, but what lies below the dam site proves even more intriguing. More than 12 burial mounds have been found at the site of the Gull Lake Dam which are believed to stem back to the Woodland American tribe which lived in the area between 800 B.C. and 200 A.D. Today, they are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
Book Your Gull Lake Stay Today
When you’re ready to enjoy Gull Lake and require accommodations that keep you close to the fun, Gull Lake Beach Resorts is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our many vacation rental properties in the area and how we can help you start planning your trip!
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