Minnesota did not earn the moniker, “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for nothing. And situated on the 14-lake Whitefish Chain, Crosslake, MN, in the center of the state, is one of Minnesota’s most iconic lake destinations. The lake chain features clear waters, wooded shorelines, dock-and-dine restaurants, tubing coves, and wildlife viewing, but like most lake spots in Minnesota, having a boat to take in the adventure is ideal. This has never been easier than with a boat rental from Your Boat Club Crosslake.

Let’s dive into this guide for all you need to plan your Crosslake, MN boating adventure!

Exploring the Whitefish Chain of Lakes by Boat

Crosslake, MN is a small town located in the heart of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and is an ideal place for a boating excursion, whether for families, couples, or outdoor adventurers. The Whitefish Chain draws boaters to its interconnected lakes with their scenic diversity and calm, clean waters. Whitefish Chain boating is popular because you can cruise for hours without retracing your route, making it fun to explore and Crosslake summer activities are plentiful.

And when you have a boat on hand, Crosslake, MN vacation ideas abound. Offering visitors opportunities to enjoy wildlife watching, water sports, fishing, dock-and-dine restaurants, picnicking, swimming, and social boating to islands and sandbars. There is no shortage of fun activities to explore and enjoy.

Top Lakes to Explore in the Whitefish Chain

Some of the lakes near Crosslake, MN include Cross Lake, which the town is named after, but also Rush Lake, Upper and Lower Whitefish Lake, and Big Trout Lake, among others.

Crosslake is the central hub that offers most of the amenities and activities the area has to offer with access to all the nearby lakes in the chain. Rush Lake, much the opposite of its name, contains quieter waters that make it ideal for both wildlife watchers and tubing, with less wind and fewer boats, so there’s plenty of room to whip around. The lake also features a full ski course for wakeboarding, skiing, and kneeboarding.

Whitefish Lake is one of the larger, more expansive lakes in the area, with an upper and lower part, and is great for water sports of all kinds. Big Trout Lake, with its deeper, clear water and less populated waters is a popular spot for both fishing and tubing. Daggett Lake is another excellent tubing destination, offering quieter conditions with plenty of open space.

Best Spots for Tubing, Wakeboarding, and Swimming

Family boating in Minnesota often includes watersports, such as tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding. It also means finding ideal swimming spots. If you are looking for spots good for boating with kids, Crosslake and its access to the Whitefish Chain offer up quite a few options.

Tubing and Wakeboarding

When it comes to tubing, Crosslake, MN has no shortage of spots. Rush Lake and Daggett Lake are two of the best tubing destinations, and they’re often quieter with less wind and fewer people, giving you plenty of room to whip around. Big Trout Lake is another excellent choice for the same reason - its less populated waters provide ample space for tubing. Rush Lake also features a full ski course for wakeboarding, skiing, and kneeboarding. Upper Whitefish Lake offers additional wide-open waters perfect for various watersports. The Rush-Hen Lake Channel is a more protected stretch of water, making it a great area for kids learning to water ski.

Swimming Spots

The lower part of Cross Lake is particularly popular for swimming, featuring great sandy areas perfect for families. Sunken Island is another favorite spot with its knee-to-waist deep waters and sandy bottom, ideal for anchoring your boat and wading around. The calm waters near Big Island also make for excellent swim zones, and the island itself is a DNR area that’s open to all visitors.

On the opposite side of Big Island, where the wind comes from, there’s a beach where boaters often set up camp for the day. The island features outhouses and walking trails throughout, making it a perfect spot for an extended boating adventure with opportunities to explore on foot. Rush Lake’s protected waters also make it a great swimming destination, though visitors should note that while the lake offers beautiful views of surrounding islands, these islands are private property and should be respected by staying on the water.

Safety Tips for Enjoying Watersports and Boating

When it comes to tubing or other water sports, it is best to hit the lake early as the waters are usually calmer in the morning. Also, enjoying the high-speed fun of watersports and boating in general means following general safety guidelines that will ensure that your stay is full of fun and not heartache.

Some important safety tips include:

Checking the weather to avoid high winds, lightning, and storms
Wearing appropriate gear for the activity, including personal floatation devices (life jackets)
Making sure everyone taking part in watersports knows how to swim
Understanding the water conditions you are in
Discussing water safety and rules with your children and companions
Entering the water feet first as a rule
Avoid alcohol while swimming and driving a boat
Checking your equipment before setting out
Knowing the water and having a plan of where you are going
Respecting private property, as many islands in the chain are privately owned, so stay on the water and admire them from your boat

Fishing the Whitefish Chain of Lakes

If you are looking to do some fishing, Crosslake MN has that too. The area is known for catching walleye, northern pike, sunfish, bluegill, crappie, perch, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Walleye and crappie are exceptional for eating.

Bass Fishing

The Whitefish Chain is particularly renowned for its excellent bass fishing. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass thrive in these rivers, making it a favorite destination for bass anglers. The varied lake structures, from rocky shorelines to weedy bays, provide ideal habitat for both species. Early morning and evening hours tend to be most productive, and anglers often find success around submerged structures, drop-offs, and weed edges throughout the chain.

Walleye and Other Species

Both Upper and Lower Whitefish Lake and Cross Lake are usually known for their excellent walleye populations. Lower Hay Lake and Clamshell Lake are also popular fishing spots. Big Trout Lake, known for its deep, clear water, is at the end of the Whitefish Chain connected to Whitefish Lake. While it’s a good spot for swimming due to fewer people, the water is quite deep and cold, which also makes it attractive for certain fish species.

Anglers in the area often use the trolling technique, which can be effective in covering a large area with a deeper line. It is also recommended to find small inlets, which can prove to be productive spots to find some trout throughout the chain.

Anchoring at Big Island and Sunken Island Cross Lake

Another one of the things to do in Crosslake is explore the best spots for social boating. Cross Lake offers some of the most popular anchoring destinations in the Whitefish Chain, includingBig Island and Sunken Island, both ideal for swimming, picnics, and socializing on the water. The sandbars on Cross Lake are ideal for swimming and picnics.

Big Island is a beloved hangout because of its sandbars and shallow water, making it a perfect place to anchor the boat and float to take in a swim, pull out your raft, or enjoy some sandbar games. The Big Island also sports a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Sunken Island is one of the most popular spots to anchor in the area. With its knee-to-waist deep waters and sandy bottom, it’s ideal for wading around and spending hours anchored with friends and family.

Or just pull up to any of the dock and dine spots and enjoy the people watching and party atmosphere from the deck of your boat.

Both islands are great spots for a full-day boating adventure starting from Your Boat Club, where you can access boating routes in Crosslake, MN and lakes throughout the Whitefish Chain.

Nature Watching and Quiet Escapes

Crosslake wildlife is another draw to the area as boating is not only about speed and sport. The Whitefish Chain offers serene, quiet inlets perfect for spotting wildlife like loons, bald eagles, otters, white-tailed deer, and herons. Morning can be the perfect time for nature cruises.

The loon population in the Whitefish Chain is exceptionally high, making it one of the best places in Minnesota to observe the iconic birds. The Loon Center is opening next year and will be an excellent resource for visitors. You can stop by for a tour, get advice on the best spots to see loons, or learn more information about these fascinating birds and their habitat.

Crosslake, with its many surrounding lakes, will not disappoint any nature lover. Some favorite nature watching destinations include:

Daggett Lake is known for its scenic shoreline with fewer boats
Rush Narrows, which is good for slow cruises and wildlife viewing
Little Pine offers a quieter, more natural setting that’s well suited for wildlife observation. With limited boat traffic and surrounding undeveloped shoreline, it’s a reliable spot to see waterfowl, deer, and other native species, especially during early mornings and evenings.

Activities to Enjoy on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes

Where to Dock and Dine in Crosslake, MN

If you are looking to dock and dine, Whitefish Chain of Lakes does not come up short, but when it comes to lakefront restaurants, Crosslake is the hub. Known for its vibrant dock-and-dine scene, Crosslake offers anything from casual lakeside grills to more upscale venues. It’s all part of the boating lifestyle here.

Must-Visit Waterfront Restaurants

The Wharf

A Crosslake favorite, The Wharf offers a welcoming dock-and-dine experience with beautiful waterfront views. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality cuisine, it’s the spot to pull up your boat and enjoy a meal on the water. The menu features classic American fare with fresh, locally-inspired dishes that appeal to both families and couples looking for a lakeside dining experience.

Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant & Bar

This iconic bar and grill has a big dock and offers up a great atmosphere along with a family friendly menu, including house pizza, wraps, sandwiches, soup, salads, appetizers, and a kid’s menu. There is also a new addition to the restaurant, named Pub 33 with a more elevated menu, including flatbreads, upscale appetizers, and gourmet sliders.

Manhattan Beach Lodge

For a more upscale dining option, this restaurant has stunning views and a refined menu, including sharables, flatbreads, soup, salads, gourmet tacos and sandwiches, and chef inspired entrees.

Zorbaz on Crosslake

If you are looking for a quirky and fun spot to dine, Zorbaz is the place. Its menu of pizza and Mexican fusion dishes makes it a popular place for families. Some highlights include Macho Nachoz, Colorado Hatch Green Chili, Zouthwezt Zalad, and Zpaghetti dinner. And yes, the creative spellings of some of their signature dishes is all a part of Zorbaz’s quirky charm.

Army Corps of Engineers Campground

For those looking to extend their Crosslake adventure beyond a day trip, the Army Corps of Engineers Campground offers public camping spots with excellent lake access. These well-maintained facilities provide a convenient and affordable option for boaters who want to spend multiple days exploring the Whitefish Chain. The campground typically features amenities like boat launches, picnic areas, and restroom facilities, making it easy to set up a base camp for your boating adventures. It’s a great option for families or groups who want to combine camping with their water activities. It’s a great public spot to dock and walk into downtown.

Renting a boat from Your Boat Club Crosslake makes hopping between restaurants both convenient and fun.

Why Choose Your Boat Club in Crosslake, MN

There is no better way to experience all Crosslake has to offer than from a boat, and renting a boat from Your Boat Club is an easy way to set off on your boating adventure. It is also a top spot for long-term boat rental and pontoon rental. Crosslake, MN may be a small town but it comes in big with all it has to offer. Your Boat Club makes Crosslake boat rentals easy and stress-free with their streamlined rental process, professional, full-service operation, and knowledgeable staff.

Plan Your Crosslake MN Boating Adventure Today

Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape, a family tubing day, or a romantic dock-and-dine cruise, Crosslake MN boating delivers it all. Sitting in the heart of the Whitefish Chain of lakes it is difficult to find a better destination to take in a boating excursion. With access to all 14 lakes in the chain, each offering something a little different, Crosslake is a boating haven.

Your Boat Club in Minnesota, situated on the shores of Crosslake, makes booking easy, which means it is also easy to start exploring one of Minnesota’s most beloved lake chains.

Boating Crosslake, MN: Where to Go, What to Do for Fun

Exploring the Whitefish Chain of Lakes by Boat

Top Lakes to Explore in the Whitefish Chain