Cross Lake, Minnesota, USA

Also known as:  Whitefish Chain of Lakes

Cross Lake is one of 14 lakes in the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which is the largest chain in the Brained area of Minnesota. Nestled in central Minnesota in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Cross Lake is a recreational paradise that offers over 1,700 acres of water enjoyed by boaters, anglers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts of all types. Whitefish Chain of Lakes, also known as Pine…
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    • All About Cross Lake, MN

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Minnesota - Central Minnesota -

    Cross Lake is one of 14 lakes in the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which is the largest chain in the Brained area of Minnesota. Nestled in central Minnesota in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Cross Lake is a recreational paradise that offers over 1,700 acres of water enjoyed by boaters, anglers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts of all types.

    Whitefish Chain of Lakes, also known as Pine River Reservoir, was authorized by the U.S. Congress and developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The project included construction of six headwater lake dams. The purpose was to form large reservoirs in the Mississippi headwaters that would help keep the Mississippi River navigable below St. Paul. Whitefish Chain of Lakes was created by constructing a dam on the Pine River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The dam was built in 1884 and became operational in 1886. Water levels rose 10 feet after the dam was completed, connecting Cross Lake to Upper and Lower Whitefish Lakes. Reconstruction took place between 1905 and 1907. The lakes that are now a part of Whitefish Chain of Lakes are Upper Whitefish, Lower Whitefish, Big Trout, Clamshell, Hen, Island, Little Pine, Arrowhead, Bertha, Cross, Daggett, Lower Hay, Pig and Rush.

    The Whitefish lakes are a popular vacation destination and a stunning place to live. Vacation rentals and real estate are abundant around the pristine shoreline of Cross Lake. Residents and vacationers can relax on their lakeside decks and drink in beautiful sunsets. For those who take pleasure in a more rustic vacation, the Cross Lake Recreation Area provides electric and non-electric campsites located in wooded settings. Also known as the Ronald Louis Cloutier Recreation Area, Cross Lake Recreation Area offers boat ramps, swimming beaches, picnic areas and a playground.

    Each summer will find many boaters, anglers, campers, and swimmers enjoying the cool refreshing waters of Cross Lake. Anglers can cast in their line for northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and yellow perch. Boaters and water skiers better take to the water early in the day since Cross Lake can be teeming with water enthusiasts during midsummer. When the weather turns cold and the waters of Cross Lake freeze, lake visitors take pleasure in snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

    For some off-water fun, visitors will find a host of other activities to keep them busy. With 25 golf courses within 30 miles of Whitefish Chain of Lakes, golfers are sure to find a course challenging enough for them. For a good view of the chain, visitors can take a picturesque drive on the National Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, which weaves its way around the lakes. After some sightseeing, visitors can grab a bit to eat or watch a movie in the nearby City of Crosslake.

    Whether for relaxation or the excitement of water sports, Cross Lake provides something for everyone. Visitors can take pleasure in a day of play and unwind in the luxury of their vacation rentals or campground sites, while real estate owners can enjoy the beauty and fun atmosphere of Cross Lake year round.

    Things to Do at Cross Lake MN

    These are some activities in the Cross Lake, MN area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Water Skiing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Ice Skating
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Cross Lake MN?

    Cross Lake MN has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Bluegill
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • Walleye
    • Whitefish
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Cross Lake MN

    If you’re considering a Cross Lake MN lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Cross Lake MN Vacation

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    Cross Lake MN Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: US Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 1,751 acres

    Shoreline Length: 20 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,230 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 1,227 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,235 feet

    Maximum Depth: 84 feet

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Cross Lake MN Map
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