Pier 1 explorer - recommended best value

Our most popular Membership! Enjoy 7 days a week boating including holidays.

We carefully limit our Memberships to ensure the best boating experience, with a strict Member-to-boat ratio to even the playing field for boat availability. That is why there is limited availability on our Explorer Memberships. Call now to find out the fastest way to join!

Boats docked at a lake with a small wooden building and a sign that says 'Beach Rules' in the foreground, and trees in the background.

AMENITIES

  • Parking: Available right in the Big Sandy Lodge lot for your convenience.

    Check-in: At the tiki hut near the boat launch.

  • Tubing: Allowed for members & renters.

    Tubes for rent only. Ropes for sale.

    Call Lodge to Book: Paddle Boats, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes & Aqua Cycles (3-wheel bikes that go on water).

  • Memberships

    Rentals

    Ice: Available for purchase at the lodge.

    Gas: Public fuel available on site.

    Rental and member boat reservations will come with a full tank of gas. This is separate from the boat rental cost and you will be charged for the fuel you use on your trip upon your return.

  • Boating rules & regulations vary per state. Click here to find out more about rules & regs in your state.

  • You don’t have to be a Member to enjoy the perks - we offer daily and multi-day boat rentals! Simply click here to view boats, pricing, and availability.

Welcome to YBC - Big Sandy Lake at Big Sandy Lodge & Resort! Big Sandy Lake is located in Minnesota’s northeast Aitkin County, Big Sandy Lake is a tranquil and beautiful destination.This lake is 6,088 acres in size. It is approximately 84 feet deep at its deepest point, with 56.5 miles of shoreline. Check out our Fleet Sheet!

A marina with several boats docked along a wooden pier on a lake, with people boarding and walking on the dock during early evening.
Young boy jumping into a lake with a big smile, wearing a life jacket and colorful swim trunks, on a sunny day with forested shoreline in the background.

Explorer Membership

Our most popular Membership! Enjoy 7 days a week boating including holidays.

  • Pier 1 - Available

    Pier 2 - Available

    Pier 3 - 2 Available

    Pier 4 - Not Available

    Availability fluctuates - call to verify availability and secure your Membership or join the waitlist!

Smiling young girl and boy sitting on a boat wearing life jackets, with blue sky and trees in the background.

Executive Membership

For those with weekend plans, this gives Monday-Thursday AM+ PM boating (no holidays).

  • Pier 1 - 3 Available

    Pier 2 - 2 Available

    Pier 3 - SOLD OUT

    Pier 4 - Not Available

    Availability fluctuates - call to verify availability and secure your Membership or join the waitlist!

A young boy wearing a bright orange life jacket laughing while riding on a boat on the water during daytime.

Early Bird Membership

Avoid the crowds and beat the heat: Monday-Thursday AM boating (no holidays).

  • Pier 1 - 2 Available

    Pier 2 - SOLD OUT

    Pier 3 - SOLD OUT

    Pier 4 - Not Available

    Availability fluctuates - call to verify availability and secure your Membership or join the waitlist!

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

dining

Big Sandy Lake has several waterfront dining options. From laid-back bars to charming restaurants, every boater is sure to discover a restaurant to suit their taste.

shopping

Be sure to visit the local convenience stores to stock up on essentials before heading out on the water. For fishing enthusiasts, Willey's Sports Shop & Spirits is the perfect stop to grab some bait and gear.

swimming

Enjoy the trill of tubing, relax on the sandy, well-maintained beaches, or take a plunge off the boat into the refreshing water. You'll be sure to enjoy your time on the water.

fishing

Big Sandy Lake is renowned for its exceptional fishing, especially for walleye, northern pike, and bass, making it a popular destination among anglers. Stop by Willeys Sports Shop & Spirits for live bait.

sightseeing

Discover the beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas at Big Sandy Lake, where you can also spot majestic bald eagles and herons in their natural habitat!

become a partner

Want to feature your business on this page or join our unique Member Benefits partner group? Reach out directly here!

BIG SANDY PARTNERS

Visit us

 

20534 487th St, McGregor, MN 55760

Hours
Open daily 8am-8pm

Phone
218-210-9899

  • A person riding a speedboat on a lake with a forested shoreline in the background.

    Annual Unlimited Boating Memberships

    Make boating a regular part of your life!

  • A man relaxing on a boat, lying on his back with a straw hat, on a sunny day near a body of water with land in the distance.

    Daily & Multi-Day Rentals

    Easy online booking with our Reservation System.

  • Five boats on trailers parked in a lot with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

    Boat Sales

    Shop our meticulously maintained used boat fleet.

Big Sandy Lake Partners

  • A circular logo for 14 Lakes Craft Brewing Co. featuring a map of lakes and the company name in a red and beige color scheme.

    14 Lakes Brewing

    MEMBERS GET 1 PINT FREE WITH THE PURCHASE OF 1 PINT!

    *Up to 3 pints per party

  • Logo for Pine Peaks Lodge and Suites featuring pine trees and mountain peaks.

    Pine Peaks Lodge & Suites

    MEMBERS RECEIVE 10% OFF THEIR TOTAL STAY!

  • Logo of Surly Brewing Co., a brewing company based in Twin Cities, MN, featuring a stylized 'S' inside a black hexagon.

    Surly Brewing Co.

    MEMBERS GET 20% OFF SURLY'S RETAIL STORE!