Cross Lake Day Use

About

Cross Lake Day Use is a popular day-use recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, situated on the eastern bank of Cross Lake in central Minnesota's lakes region. The facility is surrounded by tall pines and provides access to the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which boasts 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of scenic shoreline. The day-use area features a swimming beach for families, numerous individual picnic sites, and two group picnic shelters available for reservation. Shore fishing is popular on accessible fishing piers located both upstream and downstream of the dam. Canoe access is available for paddlers wanting to explore the Pine River downstream of the dam. The facility is located within walking distance of the city of Crosslake, where visitors can access local shopping, a paved walking and biking trail, and other amenities. This is a day-use area only and does not offer overnight camping facilities. The area operates seasonally, typically closing for the winter months when facilities are not maintained.

Directions

From Brainerd, Minnesota on Highway 25, turn right on County Road 3 and travel north to Cross Lake. The Day Use area entrance is on the left, directly across from the intersection of County Roads 3 and 66.