Top 4 Lakes around Staples

Dower Lake, located just two miles west of Staples, offers a wide array of activities within its 54-acre Recreation Area. You can enjoy a swimming beach, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and a 9-hole disc golf course. It also provides public lake access for boating and kayaking, and features Minnesota's longest fishing pier.

Yes, the Staples area is renowned for its fishing. Dower Lake itself is home to Bluegill, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. For premier walleye fishing, Lake Alexander is highly recommended, also offering quality smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskellunge, and northern pike. Lake Osakis is a diverse multi-species lake, excellent for walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, and bluegill, and is particularly popular for ice fishing.

Dower Lake is ideal for families, featuring a sandy swimming beach with shallow waters suitable for young children, picnic areas, and even geocaches for a fun treasure hunt. Many other lakes in the region, such as Lake Osakis and Gull Lake, also offer sandy beaches and picnic facilities.

Yes, the Dower Lake Recreation Area offers camping facilities, including rustic and electrical sites, picnic tables, fire rings, a restroom and shower house, and a dump station. Other lakes like Gull Lake and North Long Lake also have resorts and campgrounds available in their vicinity.

Many lakes in the Staples area transform into winter playgrounds. Lake Alexander is a destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, and even hosts an annual Ice Golf Tournament. Lake Osakis is very popular for ice fishing, and Lake Hubert also offers ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.

Yes, several lakes offer trails. The Lake Alexander Preserve provides hiking and birding trails through mixed oak forests and wetlands. Near Lake Osakis, you can access the Central Lakes Trail, a 55-mile non-motorized trail perfect for walking, biking, and rollerblading. For cycling enthusiasts, you can find various routes around Staples, including cycling routes and road cycling routes.

Lake Hubert is noted for its clear waters and peaceful setting, making it a popular spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, and various water sports in a tranquil environment. While not directly in Staples, it's a short drive away.

The natural areas around the lakes, such as the Lake Alexander Preserve, offer opportunities for birding. Generally, Minnesota's lake regions are rich in wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and other small mammals. The picturesque backdrops are ideal for connecting with nature.

Yes, larger and more popular lakes like Gull Lake, part of the famous Gull Lake Chain of Lakes, are excellent for a wide range of water sports, including boating, tubing, and wake surfing. North Long Lake is also a popular spot for boating, with 'The Sand Bar' being a favorite for swimming and gathering.

Lake Alexander is considered one of Central Minnesota's premier walleye lakes and is also highly regarded for its quality bass and pike populations. Beyond fishing, the surrounding Lake Alexander Preserve offers hiking and birding trails. In winter, it transforms into a destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and even hosts an annual Ice Golf Tournament.

For running enthusiasts, there are various running trails around Staples that can take you near some of the beautiful lake areas. The trails at Lake Mohegan Recreation Area, for example, are lakeside, dirt singletrack trails that wind along the banks of the lake and creeks, offering plenty of overlooks.

Visitors frequently appreciate the natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the peaceful settings, the excellent fishing, and the family-friendly amenities like those at Dower Lake. The trails, such as those at Lake Mohegan Recreation Area, are often highlighted for their scenic views and accessibility for runners and hikers.