In just a matter of weeks—or days—the Northern Minnesota outside temperature will commence its annual descent. While we certainly adore and appreciate the warm seasons, ice fishing in Minnesota wouldn't be possible without our yearly freeze.
Arguably the best thing about snowshoeing in MN is you can do it just about anywhere there is snow. Now, we wouldn’t recommend venturing off onto an unknown pasture or lake, but if you can hike somewhere, there is a good chance you can snowshoe there as well!
Embracing winter is a way of life for those of us living in the Upper Midwest. As autumn fades away, the state parks become less frequented, the temperatures drop, and the snow piles up. There's something special about the sound of boots crunching on fresh powder or newly formed ice glassing over a secluded lake. Now is the time to dig out your thermal socks, long johns, and stocking caps to layer up and make the most of the whitest, coldest time of year with a smile on your face.
As the heat and humidity gradually wane, we'll continue to anticipate winter's inevitable arrival, but not before relishing Minnesota's fall foliage. While we undoubtedly cherish the warm weather and sunshine characterized by the summer months, there is something to be said about autumn's brief window.
Every autumn, Aitkin County’s lush forestry transforms from a dazzling emerald shade to vibrant hues of marigold, amber, and kelly green, with crimson-clad trees sprinkled into the fold. There are dozens of unique ways to commemorate autumn’s official arrival. To ensure that your upcoming stay is nothing short of colorful and splendidly comfortable, we’ve compiled 20 quintessential fall activities in Minnesota.
In the heart of summer, the lodge allures nature enthusiasts of all kinds, including backpackers searching for a place to rest (and play) before and after a woodland excursion inside a nearby state forest. We’re ideally situated in between three hilly, rugged state forests: Savanna, Hill River, and Solana. There’s enough acreage here to appease thousands of backpackers at once. As one of the fastest-growing backpacking destinations near the Twin Ports, we look forward to welcoming your group to Big Sandy Lake’s edge this summer!
You don’t need an excuse to plan a summertime escape from the Twin Cities or Twin Ports en route to Big Sandy Lake, a genuinely peaceful, scenic slice of glorious Northern Minnesota. There’s no offseason for outdoor exploration or recreation here on the western edge of the sprawling North Woods. A classic Minnesota outdoors experience is all about embracing Mother Nature’s vibrance, richness, and beauty. Whether you relish crystal clear lake water, the dense forestry, or the warm sand, you’ll instantly find your calling here at Big Sandy Lodge & Resort, one of the top-reviewed weekend getaways in Minnesota.
It’s become commonplace for couples from the Twin Cities, Twin Ports, and Iron Range to motor on up or over to serene Big Sandy Lake for a brief, albeit vital romantic getaway. It’s not a piece of cake to find a couples retreat in Minnesota that provides seclusion, lake access, romantic packages, recreational rentals, and log cabins. Big Sandy Lodge & Resort is the whole package. Not only can we foster a playful, passionate, and uninhibited escape, but we’re also one of the most affordable northern Minnesota resorts.
Despite the fact that over 500,000 Minnesotans celebrate Fishing Opener by throwing a line into one of the state’s 10,000 lakes (it’s actually 11,842, but who’s counting?), you won’t be bumping elbows with other gleeful anglers this May. There are approximately 2.6 million acres of lake water in the scenic, serene North Star State; thus, there’s ample acreage for all anglers to cast for walleye or northern pike, especially here on sweeping Big Sandy Lake. The aptly-named Big Sandy Lodge & Resort rests along the granular shores of this 6,500-acre hidden gem north of McGregor, where you’ll surprisingly discover some of the best walleye fishing in Minnesota.
One of the planet’s most mystifying yet awe-inspiring natural marvels remains an aurora, also known as an “aurora borealis.” Here in Minnesota, we know this dazzling display as the “northern lights.” Depending on the destination, the northern lights in Minnesota typically boast many hues of green and purple as they slide and contort across the starry sky. Night owls have seen their fair share of auroras over the years here along the banks of Big Sandy Lake as the northern lights “visit” our serene slice of Northern Minnesota every year, sometimes bi-annually.
