Explore Every Major Lake in
Crow Wing County

Notable Features

The largest lake in the immediate Brainerd area. 10,000 acres of open water with consistent winds for sailing. Several islands including Hennepin Island. Highly developed shoreline with resorts, restaurants, and year-round homes. Water levels controlled by the Gull Lake Dam.

USACE Gull Lake Recreation Area public boat launch on the southeast shore near East Gull Lake. Multiple private and resort launches.

• • Bar Harbor Supper Club
• • Gull Lake Marina
• • Cragun's Resort
• • Grand View Lodge
• • Gull Lake Recreation Area
• • The Wharf at Gull Lake
• • Zorbaz on Gull Lake

Pull up to the dock and grab a bite. These restaurants are accessible by boat, making for a perfect day on the water.

Part of the Gull Lake Chain (connected to Gull River, which flows into the Mississippi). Not connected to other major recreational chains.

$1,500 - $3,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Oligotrophic (low nutrient) classification means exceptional water clarity. Maximum clarity reaches over 20 feet in dry years. Deep basins provide cold-water refuge for cisco and other cool-water species. Popular with anglers targeting deep-water walleye.

Four public boat launches including South Pelican Lake Access off County Road 118 and Holker's Landing on the north-northwest side.

• • Holker's Landing
• • Pelican Lake Resort
• • Manhattan Beach Lodge area
• • Garrison area restaurants

Part of the Pelican Lake chain. Connected to other smaller lakes via channels.

$1,200 - $2,800

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

At 138 feet, it is one of the deepest lakes in the Brainerd area. The Whitefish Chain is a 14-lake interconnected system spanning over 14,000 acres with 115 miles of shoreline. Premium pricing reflects the chain access, deep water, and desirability for large recreational boats.

Multiple public access points within the Whitefish Chain system. The main public access is off County Road 16 in Crosslake.

• • Manhattan Beach Lodge
• • Rough Rider Marina
• • Whitefish Lodge
• • Crosslake restaurants
• • Boat access to all Whitefish Chain restaurants

Core lake of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Navigable connection to Upper Whitefish, Rush-Hen, Cross Lake, Big Trout, Lower Hay, Bertha, Arrowhead, Daggett, Clamshell, Pig, Little Pine, Island, and Loon lakes.

$2,000 - $5,000+

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Exceptional water quality with Grade A rating. Three public access points make it one of the most accessible large lakes. The lake has a good mix of deep basins and shallower bays. Less developed shoreline than Gull or Whitefish means more privacy and natural shoreline.

Three public boat launches with concrete ramps, parking, and dock facilities. Sandy beach area for swimming.

• • North Long Lake public beach
• • Brainerd area restaurants (5-10 min)
• • Brainerd golf courses
• • Paul Bunyan Trail access

Not part of a major chain, but connected to the Mississippi River system via outflows.

$800 - $2,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Three islands within the lake. Many protected bays for kayaking and smaller boats. Heavily developed with a strong year-round community. Close to Deerwood and Crosby for shopping, dining, and services.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Three resorts on the lake
• • Deerwood area
• • Crosby area dining and shopping

Independent lake in Crow Wing County, not connected to other lakes.

$350 - $600

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Named for Crosslake (formerly known as Cross Lake), the town that grew around it. The Crosslake dam controls water levels for the entire Whitefish Chain. Excellent location for buyers who want to be able to walk or bike into town while having chain-wide boating access.

Three known public boat launches including the Crosslake #2 Public Water Access Site with concrete ramp, one launch lane, 43 parking spots, ADA accessible.

• • Crosslake downtown restaurants and shops
• • Rough Rider Marina
• • Larson's Market
• • Crosslake Community Center
• • Crosslake Boat Access

Pull up to the dock and grab a bite. These restaurants are accessible by boat, making for a perfect day on the water.

Key connecting lake in the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Links to Lower Whitefish and other chain lakes.

$1,000 - $2,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Good recreational lake with solid walleye and panfish populations. Offers a quieter alternative to Gull or Whitefish with still respectable size for powerboating.

Public boat launch available.

• • Brainerd area restaurants (within 15 min)
• • Brainerd golf courses
• • Crow Wing State Park

Not part of a major chain system. Independent lake.

$700 - $1,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

The only lake in the Brainerd area stocked with lake trout. Water clarity has declined by approximately 10 feet since 1992, but still remains one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the region. Deep holes provide cold-water habitat for trout, cisco, and whitefish. A truly special lake for the right buyer.

One public boat launch on the east shore off Crow Wing County Road 1.

• • Manhattan Beach Lodge area
• • Big Trout Lake public access (east shore off County Road 1)
• • Crosslake area dining and shopping (short drive)

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

$1,500 - $4,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Mesotrophic classification with ultra-clear water during summer months. Water clarity ranges from 8.6 to 22 feet depending on season. Nisswa proximity is a major selling point for buyers who want small-town amenities within walking or biking distance.

One public boat launch available.

• • Nisswa downtown (shopping, dining)
• • Grand View Lodge
• • Nisswa Community Center
• • Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge area

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake with some small connecting waters.

$1,000 - $2,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

The smaller of the two Whitefish lakes but still substantial at over 1,100 acres. Connects to Lower Whitefish via a navigable channel. Offers chain access with more manageable water conditions for smaller boats.

Accessible via the Whitefish Chain public access on County Road 16 in Crosslake.

• • Full Whitefish Chain access
• • Crosslake dining and shopping
• • Rough Rider Marina

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Connected to Lower Whitefish Lake and the rest of the chain.

$1,200 - $3,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Two distinct basins divided by a narrow isthmus called "the Narrows." West basin is 536 acres, east basin is 670 acres. The east basin's extreme depth comes from open-pit iron mining history. Unique geology makes this a one-of-a-kind lake in Crow Wing County.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Crosby and Ironton area
• • Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
• • Crosby dining and shopping

Independent lake near Crosby, not connected to other lakes.

$200 - $400

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

No invasive species have ever been detected. Beautiful clear water. Connects to the Cuyuna Range area. Great year-round fishing. Spans the communities of Crosby and Deerwood with two separate public access points.

Public access at Crosby city park on the west end, another access north of Deerwood on the east shore.

• • Crosby City Park
• • Deerwood area
• • Crosby dining and shopping
• • Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Independent lake spanning Crosby and Deerwood, not connected to other lakes.

$250 - $450

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

12 miles of shoreline with a good mix of developed and natural areas. Popular with walleye anglers. Bays provide protected areas for kayaking and smaller boats.

Public boat access available.

• • Garrison area restaurants
• • Mille Lacs area attractions
• • Crow Wing State Park (nearby)

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake near Garrison.

$600 - $1,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Horseshoe shape creates distinct bays and points. Good variety of fish species. Close to Breezy Point and the Whitefish Chain area.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Breezy Point area
• • Whitefish Chain area

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake near Breezy Point.

$250 - $450

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Known for exceptional water clarity for a Crow Wing County lake, with a Secchi depth of 13.7 feet. Good mixed-fishery lake with walleye, pike, bass, and panfish. 8.49 miles of shoreline and 252 acres of littoral area. Connected to smaller nearby lakes, and located near Deerwood and the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

DNR public boat launch on the south end.

• • Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (nearby)
• • Deerwood area
• • Crosby and Ironton dining and shopping

Not part of a major chain. Connected to smaller nearby lakes.

$250 - $400

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Connected to Lower Mission Lake by channel, giving boaters access to both lakes. Moderate clarity with productive fishery. The combined Mission lakes offer over 1,600 acres of fishable water.

Public boat launch available. Connected to Lower Mission Lake via navigable channel.

• • Baxter and Brainerd shopping and dining
• • Mission Lake public access
• • Paul Bunyan Trail

Connected to Lower Mission Lake via a navigable channel. Not part of a larger chain beyond the two Mission lakes.

$500 - $1,200

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Rush and Hen are connected and treated as one lake system. The deep basin (105 ft) supports cold-water fish species. Generally quieter than the main Whitefish basins, making it attractive for buyers who want chain access with more privacy.

Part of the Whitefish Chain. Chain-wide access available through Cross Lake public access.

• • Whitefish Chain access
• • Crosslake area dining
• • Rush Lake public access area

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Rush and Hen are connected and count as one navigable water body within the chain.

$1,000 - $2,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Managed by the Upper South Long Lake Improvement Association. Solid all-around lake for recreational use. Good value compared to more well-known area lakes.

Public boat launch available.

• • Brainerd (15 minutes)
• • Crow Wing State Park
• • South Long Lake public access

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$500 - $1,200

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Connected to Upper Mission Lake, offering over 1,600 combined acres for boating and fishing. Shallower depth means warmer water and strong vegetation growth. Best suited for smaller boats and fishing enthusiasts.

Public boat access available. Connected to Upper Mission Lake via navigable channel.

• • Baxter and Brainerd
• • Mission Lake public access
• • Connected to Upper Mission Lake

Connected to Upper Mission Lake via navigable channel.

$400 - $1,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

One of the clearest lakes in the entire county with 20-foot Secchi readings. Mesotrophic and hard-water classified. The lake's name is Ojibwe, reflecting the region's Native American heritage. Popular with buyers who value water quality above all else.

Public boat access available.

• • Crosslake area (15 min)
• • Pequot Lakes area dining
• • Ossawinnamakee public access

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$800 - $2,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Mean depth of 49 feet is unusually deep for a 700-acre lake, giving it a large volume of cold, clear water. Excellent water quality with Secchi readings ranging from 9.3 to 18.7 feet. One of the more private-feeling lakes in the Whitefish Chain.

Part of the Whitefish Chain. Chain-wide access through the Cross Lake public access.

• • Whitefish Chain access
• • Jenkins area
• • Pequot Lakes dining
• • Crosslake (short drive)

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Connected to Bertha Lake and the rest of the chain.

$1,000 - $2,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

9 miles of shoreline with good variety of bottom types. A 2023 DNR nearshore survey captured 20 native species, indicating a healthy ecosystem. Good lake for families seeking a comfortable, established lake community.

Public boat launch available.

• • Crosslake area
• • Camp Lake public access
• • Pequot Lakes dining and shopping

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$600 - $1,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Very shallow and warm with a sandy bottom throughout. Nearly 100% littoral area (502 of 521 acres). Known for periodic winterkill that keeps fish populations balanced. Excellent bass and pike lake. Great for kayaking and paddleboarding. 5 miles of shoreline. Eutrophic, nutrient-rich water with low to medium clarity.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Brainerd area dining and shopping
• • Crow Wing State Park

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$150 - $300

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Grade A water quality on LakeQuality.org. Approximately 10 miles of shoreline. Part of a small chain system. Eurasian watermilfoil (AIS) has been identified - buyers should be aware of inspection requirements.

Public boat launch available.

• • Garrison area
• • Crooked Lake public access
• • Crow Wing State Park

Part of the Crooked-Hanks-Portage chain in eastern Crow Wing County.

$600 - $1,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Excellent shoreline-to-acreage ratio with 9+ miles of shoreline for 444 acres. Near Pequot Lakes and the Paul Bunyan Trail. One resort on the lake. Established cabin community with over 100 homes and cabins. Mixed sand, gravel, and muck bottom with healthy weed beds supporting a diverse fishery.

City-owned public boat launch.

• • Pequot Lakes dining and shopping
• • Paul Bunyan Trail
• • Crosslake area (short drive)

Independent lake near Pequot Lakes. Not part of a major chain.

$250 - $450

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

4 miles of shoreline with manageable size for easy navigation. Popular with local anglers targeting largemouth bass and panfish. Good value option for lake living near Brainerd.

Public boat launch available.

• • Brainerd (10-15 min)
• • Gladstone Lake public access

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$400 - $1,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Connected to Middle and Lower Cullen via navigable channels. The three Cullen lakes together offer over 900 acres of connected water. No direct public launch on Upper Cullen means less traffic from the public access.

No direct public access on Upper Cullen. Access via navigable channel from Middle Cullen Lake, which has a public access on its northeast side.

• • Nisswa (shopping, dining)
• • Cullen Lakes public access (Middle Cullen)
• • Grand View Lodge

Part of the Cullen Lakes chain (Upper, Middle, Lower Cullen), in the Crow Wing River watershed.

$600 - $1,500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Deep, clear water with healthy native plant beds and outstanding biodiversity for a lake its size. No invasive species have ever been found in its waters. A favorite for anglers who want a pristine, uncrowded experience with excellent water clarity.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Crosby area dining and shopping
• • Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
• • Crosby Memorial Park

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake in the Mississippi River watershed.

$300 - $500

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Sandy shoreline lives up to the name, creating excellent swimming conditions. Active lake association monitors water quality and manages aquatic invasive species. Strong community feel among lake residents.

Public boat launch available.

• • White Sand Lake public access
• • Brainerd (15 min)
• • Crow Wing State Park

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$500 - $1,200

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Groundwater seepage lake with no inlets or outlets, giving stable water levels. Mesotrophic classification. Good starter lake for families who want lake access near Brainerd amenities.

One public boat launch available.

• • Baxter (shopping, dining)
• • Brainerd (10 min)
• • Merrifield area
• • Paul Bunyan Trail

Independent lake. No inlets or outlets (groundwater seepage lake).

$400 - $1,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Strong walleye population documented in DNR surveys (12.3 walleye per hour electrofishing). 55% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or less), creating productive fish habitat. Bottom composed mainly of sand, gravel, and muck. Good lake for the budget-conscious buyer who loves to fish.

Public DNR boat launch on the south shore.

• • Brainerd (10 min south)
• • Crow Wing State Park
• • Crow Wing Lake public access (south shore)

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake in the Elk-Nokasippi watershed.

$350 - $900

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Deep for its size at 64 feet. Eutrophic classification but maintains clear water most of the summer. Absorbs lower development pressure than the main Whitefish basins, offering more natural shoreline.

Part of the Whitefish Chain system. Access via the chain.

• • Whitefish Chain access
• • Jenkins area
• • Pequot Lakes dining
• • Crosslake (short drive)

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, connected to Lower Hay Lake and the rest of the chain.

$800 - $2,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Close to Brainerd with easy access, making it a great family lake for quick day trips. Solid panfish and northern pike fishing. Convenient public access. Good option for buyers who want lake access without a long drive from town.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Brainerd area dining and shopping
• • Baxter area dining and shopping
• • Paul Bunyan Trail

Independent lake near Brainerd. Not part of a larger chain.

$175 - $350

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Primarily sand bottom with some gravel and rubble. Good water quality with Secchi depths exceeding 12 feet. Active lake association (Adney Lake Association) monitors water quality and manages the public access. Good value near Crosslake.

Public access available. Boat access is managed by the Adney Lake Association.

• • Crosslake (5-10 min)
• • Adney Lake public access
• • Crosslake dining and shopping

Not part of the Whitefish Chain. Independent lake.

$500 - $1,200

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Deep for its size at 88 feet. Low traffic due to no public access. Quiet and private feel. Close to Crosby and the Cuyuna Range. Approximately 5 miles of shoreline with a mixed sand, gravel, and rock bottom structure.

No public access (private lake).

• • Crosby area dining and shopping
• • Deerwood area
• • Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Independent lake near Crosby, not connected to other lakes.

$200 - $400

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Clear waters with a diverse fishery. 5 miles of shoreline. Good family lake option near Nisswa without the premium price of the larger lakes. The 31-foot max depth is sufficient for most recreational boats.

Public boat launch available.

• • Nisswa (dining, shopping)
• • Grand View Lodge
• • Clark Lake public access

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake.

$400 - $1,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Part of the Whitefish Chain but very shallow (13 ft max). Muck bottom dominates. Best accessed by small watercraft. Suitable for buyers who want Whitefish Chain location and quiet waters. Limited powerboat usability.

No public boat launch. Accessible via navigable channels within the Whitefish Chain.

• • Whitefish Chain access via channels
• • Crosslake (short drive)
• • Pequot Lakes area

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

$400 - $1,000

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Shallow and productive lake with 4 miles of shoreline. Good bass and panfish lake near Cross Lake and the Whitefish Chain. Lower price point makes it an accessible option for lake-home buyers who want proximity to the Cross Lake area without the premium price of the larger lakes.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Cross Lake area
• • Crosslake dining and shopping
• • Whitefish Chain area

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake near Cross Lake.

$150 - $300

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Close to Brainerd and Baxter. Good mix of fish species with solid depth for a smaller lake. Convenient public access makes it an easy choice for a quick trip to the lake without traveling far from town. 3.7 miles of shoreline.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Brainerd area dining and shopping
• • Baxter area dining and shopping
• • Paul Bunyan Trail

Not part of a major chain. Independent lake near Brainerd and Baxter.

$200 - $400

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Part of the Whitefish Chain with connectivity to the broader chain system. Mesotrophic classification. Productive fishery with surprising cold-water species (cisco, whitefish) given the modest depth. Good entry point for Whitefish Chain ownership.

Part of the Whitefish Chain system. Access via chain channels.

• • Whitefish Chain access
• • Crosslake (5-10 min)
• • Pequot Lakes area

Part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

$500 - $1,200

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Deep for its size at 74 feet with strong pike and panfish fishery. Quiet, private feel. Close to Crosslake. 5 miles of shoreline with mixed sand, gravel, and rock bottom. Good water clarity.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Crosslake area dining and shopping
• • Crosslake (5-10 min)

Independent lake near Crosslake. Not part of a larger chain.

$200 - $350

Estimated range based on market data

Notable Features

Part of the Gull Chain with connections to Roy Lake and Gull Lake via channels. Located in downtown Nisswa, walking distance to restaurants and shops. Medium water clarity with 2.78 miles of shoreline. Excellent for buyers who want lake living with walkable small-town amenities.

DNR public boat launch.

• • Nisswa downtown (shopping, dining)
• • Grand View Lodge
• • Bar Harbor Supper Club
• • Gull Lake Recreation Area
• • Nisswa Community Center

Part of the Gull Chain of Lakes. Connected to Roy Lake and Gull Lake via channels.

$250 - $450

Estimated range based on market data