North Long Lake, Minnesota, USA

Also known as:  Brainerd Lakes

Covering almost 6,000 acres, North Long Lake is one of the largest and most popular of the Brainerd Lakes. North Long Lake is located in the Central Region of Minnesota and is heavily developed with real estate and vacation rentals along its shores as well as some resorts and campgrounds. Recreational activities are abundant and include fishing, boating, swimming and camping. North Long Lake was formed by…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to North Long Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for North Long Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About North Long Lake, MN

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

    Covering almost 6,000 acres, North Long Lake is one of the largest and most popular of the Brainerd Lakes. North Long Lake is located in the Central Region of Minnesota and is heavily developed with real estate and vacation rentals along its shores as well as some resorts and campgrounds. Recreational activities are abundant and include fishing, boating, swimming and camping.

    North Long Lake was formed by melting glaciers thousands of years ago, and consists of three oval and oblong sections that stretch from east to west. Native Americans made their home around the lake during the 1800’s. Led by Chiefs Hole-in-the-Day I and II, the Native Americans held council meetings in the large hard maples groves, or sugar bush as they called them. The maple groves can still be enjoyed today as they can be found located in sections around the lake. The early 1900’s saw much building along the shoreline of North Long Lake, as visitors decided to take up residence in the lake area. Seasonal and permanent homes were built along with fishing and recreational resorts.

    In 1959 the North Long Lake Association (NLLA) was established to support the residents and guests of North Long Lake. In 1961, a dam was installed in the Sugarbush Creek outlet to help maintain the water levels of the lake. The North Long Lake Association works hard to keep the waters of North Long Lake well stocked with fish and actively tests the lake monthly to keep water problems at bay.

    Visitors do not have to own real estate on North Long Lake to enjoy the recreational opportunities. There are several public accesses that provide boat ramps and swimming areas for everyone. Anglers know North Long Lake as one of the best fishing spots of the Brainerd Lakes. Game fish species include a large population of walleye and largemouth bass along with a good number of pan fish, black crappies and northern pike.

    Nearby in Brainerd visitors will find the start of Paul Bunyan Trail which is the longest bike trail in Minnesota. The 110 miles of paved trail offers perfect terrain for biking, hiking and roller-blading in the warm months, while the cold snowy months are great for snowmobiling. The trail winds around the western tip of North Long Lake as it meanders its way north.

    North Long Lake offers overnight accommodations to suit anyone’s taste. Families can stay at one of the many campgrounds that provide primitive settings along with RV and electric hook ups. While sleeping close to nature, visitors may spot white-tailed deer sipping water along the shores or spot eagles soaring overhead. For those who rather stay a bit more comfortable will find many vacation rentals and restores that offer a host of amenities. Visitors who enjoy North Long Lake so much may want to call the lake home. Real estate is abundant and potential buyers can purchase a vacation home or even a full time home. Whether visitors stay a week or decide to speed a lifetime, there is nothing like relaxing on a deck with lakeside views. The peaceful waters of North Long Lake will ease away any stress and leave visitors feeling refreshed.

    It is not hard to find something to enjoy about the beautiful North Long Lake. With all the recreational activities so close it is no wonder many visitors decide to make North Long Lake home. For those who like to have a little getaway, will enjoy a leisure day on the beach or have some fun boating on the open waters. Lakeside enjoyment is limitless along the shores of North Long Lake.

    Things to Do at North Long Lake

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

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Snowmobiling
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding

    What Kind of Fish Are in North Long Lake?

    North Long Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Walleye
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at North Long Lake

    If you’re considering a North Long Lake 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.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a North Long Lake Vacation

    Our interactive North Long Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    North Long Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 5,998 acres

    Shoreline Length: 19 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,199 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 1,196 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,204 feet

    Average Depth: 8 feet

    Maximum Depth: 97 feet

    Water Volume: 96,098 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 16684

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    North Long Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Lewis Lake, MN

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Mille Lacs Lake, MN

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Norway Lake, MN

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop North Long Lake Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More North Long Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The North Long Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New North Long Lake photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this North Long Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: