Wanaki Loop

About

Wanaki Loop sits on the banks of Cass Lake within the Norway Beach Recreation Area in north central Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest. The campground occupies a forest of mature red and white pine trees, with select sites offering lake views and proximity to the loop's sandy beach. Cass Lake, the largest of eight lakes in the Cass Lake Chain, covers nearly 16,000 acres with 27 miles of forested shoreline. The area offers extensive recreation including boating, canoeing, water skiing, and swimming, with a boat ramp located within the campground. Anglers target walleye, northern pike, perch, and trophy muskie. Star Island in the middle of Cass Lake features six miles of trails and contains the 199-acre Lake Windigo. The Migizi Bike Trail and Norway Beach Trail provide hiking and biking opportunities. The historic Norway Beach Visitor Center nearby showcases Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship with its magnificent fireplace, along with programs and displays about Dakota and Ojibwe heritage and local flora and fauna. Interpretive programs run Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The town of Cass Lake, four miles west, provides restaurants, grocery stores, and other services.

Directions

From Cass Lake, MN, take U.S. Highway 2 east for 4 miles to the Norway Beach Recreation Area. Turn left and follow the campground road until signs indicate Wanaki Campground.