Lake Winnibigoshish

Also known as: Lake Winnie

Locations

USA > Midwest > Minnesota

Lake Winnibigoshish Water Levels

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Lake Winnibigoshish: Description

Lake Winnibigoshish is located in the Chippewa National Forest in the north central part Minnesota near Deer River. Lake Winnie's basin was formed by a huge ice block left behind by a receding glacier. The larger reservoir is formed by a dam on the Mississippi that backs up 67,000 acres of surface water into a shape reminiscent of an inverted Santa's boot.

Roughly 200 miles due north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Lake Winnibigoshish is surrounded by tourist-friendly towns (Cross Lake, Deer River, Walker, Grand Rapids) that offer supplies, mini golf and souvenir/gift shops. Bemidji and Grand Rapids, both within easy driving distance, are home to museums, movies, nice eateries and galleries and airline connections.

With 141 miles of shoreline, Lake Winnie is one of Minnesota's premier walleye, perch and muskie lakes. With large, unsheltered expanses of water, it provides a "big water" boating experience for those with the right equipment and temperament.

A well maintained, clean recreation area, 14 miles northwest of Deer Creek, offers camping, boating, picnicking, fishing and playground areas. The camp sites are located east of the Mississippi River and Winnibigoshish Dam. A majority of the camp sites are available for reservation. Some have access to electricity. There is also a camp site and rest room accessible to those who are mobility impaired.

The original Winnibigoshish Dam was made of timber and was completed in 1884. It was replaced by a concrete structure that was completed in 1900. Its source is Itasca Lake, 170 miles upriver on the Mississippi.