The World's Walleye Capital Is Home To An Affordable All-Season Fishing Lodge In The Midwest

When Minnesota calls itself "The Land of 10,000 Lakes," it's no exaggeration. This state in the upper Midwest is actually home to over 14,000 freshwater bodies of water, drawing visitors from around the country and beyond for outdoor pursuits, including camping, canoeing, kayaking, boating, water sports, and, most importantly, fishing. These lakes host aquatic monsters that get anglers' blood pumping, with iconic species such as bass, Northern pike, muskellunge, sturgeon, and the gamefish king of the Midwest: walleye.

Of the dizzying number of lakes you'll find in Minnesota, perhaps none is as arresting as Lake of the Woods. Like its larger cousins, the Great Lakes, Lake of the Woods straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada, but despite the fact that it's 70 miles long and 60 miles wide, it's no inland sea. Still, it's a massive and utterly unique stretch of water that boasts more than 14,000 islands. It also happens to contain some of the healthiest populations of walleye on the planet, making it a magnet for fishermen eager to hook into one of these fierce fish.

Like this scenic fishing retreat on the Canadian side of the border, Sportsman's Lodge is dedicated to getting anglers into fish while also providing the best in comfort, food, drink, and other amenities. Located just under 15 minutes up the road from the town of Baudette, this massive complex is a one-stop-shop for anyone keen to cast a line, whatever the time of year. And the fact that it's situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods — also known as "The Walleye Capital of the World" — tells you everything you need to know about what brings people there.

Fishing is the name of the game at Sportsman's Lodge, and the lodge provides guests with everything needed to find the fish and get them biting. For ease and convenience, it's best to join a charter, where the boat, the guide, and all the gear and bait are provided. They'll even clean your fish for you and deliver them to your room once you're back.

This being Minnesota, fishing isn't confined to just the warm months of the year. In fact, it's during winter when things really come alive, as Lake of the Woods is a premier spot for ice fishing, with the lake's frozen surface growing up to four feet thick. Sportsman Lodge lays down all of the groundwork for you to live out your ice fishing adventure, including the fish house, transportation, and gear, as well as delivery lunches.

As for the resort itself, it's a sprawling facility with lodge rooms, cabins, villas, and a campground suitable for both tents and RVs. Sportsman's also boasts a restaurant, two bars, a game room, a gift shop, a playground, a fish cleaning house, and dock slip rentals for guests who bring their own boats. It's a comprehensive fishing experience on one of North America's great freshwater bodies, with prices that won't break the bank.

While most people come to Sportsman's Lodge to chase fish, it's not the only activity available at Lake of the Woods. It's the perfect place to explore with a kayak or canoe, and visitors can also rent pontoon and tritoon boats to cruise the lake and even head out to the buoy marking the northernmost point in the contiguous US, making it a great counterpoint to a similarly painted buoy in Key West, Florida.

Other pursuits include diving into the more than 3 million acres of public forest land in the surrounding area through hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, or when winter comes — snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The region also offers terrific birdwatching, with more than 300 species calling the local Rainy River basin home.

While you're in the neighborhood, cross the border and stop by the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre. Situated on the Ontario side of the Rainy River, this complex features burial mounds along with over 16,000 artifacts and is dedicated to educating visitors about the history, language, culture, and traditions of the Ojibwe people. And when the conditions are just right, you can also see the night sky come alive with the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. For more Midwestern lake splendor, check out these beautiful freshwater destinations.