Heading out for fun in Big Lake often means heading outdoors- and Big Lake has something for just about everyone.

City of Big Lake

Many start by getting acquainted with the city’s lakes – Big Lake and its sister Mitchell.  Attached by a narrow channel, these lakes provide lots of room for swimming, fishing, and recreational boating.  Lakeside Park provides the access with a swimming beach, boat launch and fishing pier.  Use of the park and its amenities is free of charge, but parking is not.  Residents who plan to make frequent use of the parking facilities can purchase an annual permit.

Big Lake also has numerous neighborhood parks with a variety of recreational opportunities.  The city’s growing trail system provides ample opportunities for walking, bicycling and inline skating.  The choice of scenery is yours - prairies and meadows, or a stroll around the lakes.

Big Lake Township

Lion’s Park, collocated with Big Lake Township Hall off County Road 5, is an expansive multi-use park.  The park features a baseball diamond, and playground, barbecues and outdoor shelters, and a canoe launch.

If you’re looking for fishing or boating the township has additional lakes for you to discover – Eagle Lake is popular for fishing and some recreational boating.  Smaller lakes like Birch and Ann are also worth a look.  For the sake of completeness we also mention Thompson Lake on County Road 73.  Unfortunately, this lake has no public access whatsoever. See our directory of Big Lake Area Landings for more information.

As for rivers, the Elk River runs through Big Lake Township.  It has one public access east of the city on 205th Avenue, and a canoe launch at Lion’s Park. Both are included in our directory of Big Lake Area Landings.  Although the Mississippi River hugs the southern border of the township there are no public accesses anywhere in Big Lake.  Try Snuffy’s Landing in Becker, or Babcock Memorial Park in Elk River.

Sand Dunes State Forest

Travel to northern limits of Big Lake Township and enter the Sand Dunes State Forest off either County Road 5 or 15.  There you’ll discover Ann Lake Campground with its nearby swimming beach and picnic area.  A variety of trails are available for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife lovers will be drawn a bit further north to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.  A Sunday drive around the Wildlife Loop off County Road 5 can bring you face to face with a variety of native prairie dwellers.  Those creatures that are slightly more aloof can be appreciated from the observation platforms dotting the trail.  Bring your binoculars or rely on the fixed field glasses provided.

If you prefer to experience the prairie on foot you’ll be headed for one of the trails off County Road 9 - Blue Hill or Mahnomen.  Snowshoeing and skiing are also generally permitted.  Visit the official website for detailed information and regulations regarding the use of these trails.

Summary

As you can see, Big Lake has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts.  Explore this website and its many links for maps and additional information on these opportunities.  But most importantly – head out and have fun in Big Lake!