Leash Up for Adventure at Leech Lake, Minnesota
- Luie Boone
- Sep 25
- 10 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Leeches? Luie Boone hates leeches. They're slimy. They're sneaky. They're the stuff of Luie Boone's worst muddy nightmares. Leeches are disgusting little creatures. They're segmented worms with sucker mouths that latch onto skin and slurp blood like it's a smoothie. Luie Boone loves a good smoothie—especially one with strawberry and bananas—but definitely not a blood one! Nah-uh, no thank you. He's not a vampire... or one of those sneaky leaches. And guess what? These sneaky leeches live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes. Luie Boone is a dog who loves massive cannonballs and swimming in water, which means he's a prime target.
Thankfully, Leech Lake, Minnesota isn't nearly as leech infested as its name suggests. Despite being named after the bloodsucking critters (thanks for the Ojibwe word Gaazagaskwaajimekaag, meaning "Lake abundant with leeches"), Luie Boone should be safe to splash around. In fact, the locals say leech sightings have been on the decline in recent years. That's spectacular news for Luie Boone, who's hoomans are planning a vacation to Leech Lake, Minnesota!
Leech Lake, Minnesota, is the perfect playground for a Northwoods adventure with your pooch. With endless trails, wide-open water, and charming small towns, this area blends relaxation with adventure—all in a dog-friendly way. Did you know that Leech Lake is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota? It is approximately 111,000 acres with a maximum depth of 156 feet! That's pretty impressive, especially considering Minnesota is nicknamed The Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Surrounded by pine forests, sandy beaches, and quiet towns that thrive on lakeside living, Leech Lake is a place where you can wake up to the sound of the loons, spend the day on the water, and still find plenty of spots to hang out at on land. One local gem is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which runs through the city of Walker and stretches for more than 100 miles! It is the perfect trail for long walks, runs, or bike rides with your pup right by your side—just like how the mighty, giant lumberjack, Paul Bunyan was accompanied by his pet, Babe the Blue Ox!
For those who love the water, there are many local marinas that allow dogs on their pontoons, kayaks, and canoes! Your furry friend will feel the wind flapping in their fur, as you cruise across the lake together. After a day on the water, you might want to spend some time on land at the surrounding Chippewa National Forest. This national forest is full of scenic hiking paths, like the Heartland Trail and the Ten Mile Lake Trail. On both of these trails, leashed dogs can explore towering pines and wide meadows. And, of course, Leech Lake itself has plenty of sandy coves where your pup can splash and swim!
The nearby towns each add their own spice of life to the adventure. Luie Boone will summarize a few of the nearby towns below:
The city of Walker is a hub of activity—recognized as a home to trails, events, and dog-friendly patios at restaurants. It is also rich in Native American history, with its origins as a trading post for fur bearers. Luie Boone hopes nobody tries to steal his fur and sell it! He'll have to distract them with a fun fact about Walker: The city was named after T. B. Walker, who was a profound lumber baron and an art collector. He actually founded the Minneapolis Public Library!
The city of Hackensack is a quieter city, which easy access to beaches and hiking trails, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Guess what? Luie Boone has another city-naming fun fact: Hackensack was named by its founders, James and Bartlett Kuroh. The Kurohs were from a different Hackensack—one located in New Jersey! When they arrived in what would become Hackensack, Minnesota, they felt the mosquito conditions were similar to their hometown in New Jersey and named it after it!
The city of Longville charms with its small-town vibe and quirky turtle races. Yeah, you did hear that right, their turtle races are the real deal. In fact, it's a beloved summer tradition! Families come together to race turtles every Wednesday, starting in June and going through late August. Luie Boone cannot wait to watch those speedy turtles race. He'll make sure his best turtle buddy, Spike, is along, so they can cheer the turtles on together!
The city of Nevis is tucked just east of the lake. It is home to the famous "World's Largest Tiger Muskie" statue. The tiger muskie is a carnivorous fish that can be found in the local waters of Minnesota. The statue is 30.5 feet long! Luie Boone will have his hoomans snap a picture of it! He can show the picture to his rainbow trout pal, Ripple, who is also coming along on this vacation with Spike. After that, they all will visit the local Heartland Trail, which is ideal for a scenic walk with your pooch.
The city of LaPorte is just southwest of Walker. It makes for a peaceful gateway to the southern stretches of the Chippewa National Forest, which is perfect for travelers and their dogs seeking a slower pace and plenty of natural beauty. Luie Boone can only imagine all the squirrels that he'll sniff out and see there!
The city of Deer River is located just south of Leech Lake. It blends fishing culture with small-town charm, and it is known for its Wild Rice Festival! Rice? Luie Boone loves white rice, especially when he's got a tummy ache. His hoomans say that this festival provides an authentic slice of northern Minnesota! He just hopes they bring him back some tasty rice to taste-test.
If you're up for a bit of a drive, the city of Bemidji adds another layer of fun with the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues! These statues are a must-stop for a photo-op with your pup. Luie Boone will strike his best pose... actually, he'll probably look everywhere but the camera, because he likes to be camera shy, unless there's a treat right behind the lens. However, he supposes that if one of his hoomans dress up as Paul Bunyan and give him some ox horns, he'll pose more politely... maybe, definitely if there's a tasty treat waiting for him.
After exploring Lake Leech and its nearby cities, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to eat and unwind. One great local spot is the Walker's Portage Brewing Company, which is a favorite for craft beer and laid-back vibes. The Piggy BBQ is another great local spot. This BBQ joint serves up smoky comfort food and offers outdoor seating for pooches. Luie Boone would be amiss to not mention the Hackensack's Birchwood Char House & Bar, which offers a welcoming patio and hearty meals that hit the spot.
When it comes to lodging, Leech Lake makes traveling with a dog nice and easy. There are the lodging accommodations of Chase on the Lake in Walker and the Anderson's Resorts. Chase on the Lake in Walker offers select dog-friendly rooms, while Anderson's Resorts has multiple properties with pet-friendly cabins scattered around the shoreline! There are also plentiful vacation rentals, ranging from cozy cabins to lake homes, where your dog can feel right at home.
Lake Leech is more than just a getaway. It's a place where dogs are part of the adventure. Whether your best friend loves swimming, hiking, or simply curling up by a fire after a long day, this northern Minnesota gem has everything that you need to create lasting memories together on the lake.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay on Leech Lake, Minnesota. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Loon Lodge
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 3 bathrooms.
Photos are courtesy of Loon Lodge Vacation Cabins.
It features the following amenities:
Beachfront on Pine Pointe
Direct access to Traders Bay on Leech Lake
Weed-free, private, sand beach
Flat walk to the lake
Deck overlooking the lake
Weber propane grill with propane provided
Fire pit
Firewood supplied in summer for beach fires and s’mores
Dock and boat lift
Fish cleaning station
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans just told me about this rental called Loon Lodge on Leach Lake in Minnesota. I cannot wait to visit. The place must be named after Loons. Even though they might look somewhat like ducks, they are actually a type of aquatic bird that can dive to depths of 200 feet! They are also extremely awkward and clumsy on land, because their legs are placed so far back on their bodies. At the rental, there's a private sandy beach. You can take a flat walk right into the water, which means no cannonballs... but very easy swimming, digging, and plenty of room for zoomies! I'll bring Ripple with me down to the water. I would ask Spike but it is always hard to tell when he is really awake. I know Ripple for sure will come. My hoomans say Ripple can't swim, so I'll prop him up and let him get a good view of the waves instead. The lodge itself sounds just as cozy as the outdoors sound exciting. It's filled with Northwoods charm, like log furniture, a wood stove, and big windows with views of the lake. We'll spend our evenings around a beach fire, where the hoomans will roast tasty snacks and I'll keep watch under the stars with Ripple and Spike by my side, of course! I can already tell this trip will be extra special, as Loon Lodge feels like the most paw-some place for dogs and their hoomans to enjoy the simple joys of the Northwoods together.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing at Leech Lake, Minnesota!
Chippewa National Forest
The Chippewa National Forest offers over 160 miles of hiking trails to explore with your best friend. Luie Boone reckons that there is no better way to see the Chippewa National Forest than on a trail—just imagine all the trees to sniff, the squirrels to chase, and the birds to watch! Whether your adventure is an evening stroll or an intensive backpacking excursion, you and your canine companion will find it here!
Statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
These statues are a must-see in Minnesota! Don't miss the opportunity to bring your furry friend along to meet Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. These two statues stand tall and colorful along the shores of Lake Bemidji. Like Luie Boone said before, one of his hoomans has to dress up as Paul Bunyan—red flannel, blue jeans, and funny mustache—before he poses for a picture!
Deep Portage Learning Center
The Deep Portage Learning Center is an exciting outdoor space, which is home to more than 6,300 acres of forest! Within the tall and beautiful trees, you and your pup will hike along self-guided nature trails, through a wildflower garden! Luie Boone cannot wait to stick his nose in that wildflower garden and smell all the cool flowers. One of Luie Boone's favorite flowers is the sunflower! His hoomans grow them every year, and he loves how tall they get. He also likes how the sunflowers follow the sun. Did you know they do it through a process called heliotropism?
Paul Bunyan State Forest
This state forest in Minnesota was named after the famous lumberjack, Paul Bunyan! It is home to a variety of lake loop trails, as well as miles of trails taking you on a nature tour through the gorgeous pine forests. If you desire more of Paul Bunyan, there is another ginormous statue of Paul Bunyan at the Paul Bunyan Historical Museum located in nearby Akeley.
Waboose Lake Loop
The Waboose Lake Loop is a narrow, approximately 3.8-mile-long trail. It leads you through a dense forest. However, there are many openings within the forest, which allow stunning views of the nearby lakes. Luie Boone wonders if one of those openings is big enough for his big tooshie to squeeze through and do a run-up for the largest cannonball that Paul Bunyan's ever seen!
The Paul Bunyan State Trail
This state trail is named after... you already know, Paul Bunyan! It stretches 119 miles from Bemidji to Brainerd. There are different starting points, so you and your pup could walk the entirety of the trail by breaking it into different portions!
Schoolcraft State Park
This state park is a great place to take your pooch, especially if you're seeking a more secluded spot for a long walk. Here, there are a bunch of trails weaving through virgin pine forests. For the water lovers: The Mississippi River slithers through this park—so you can enjoy the waters and do some fishing!
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
This bar and grill have a small-town ambience. Their menu features delicious, barbequed meats, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, bacon, specialty items, and more! Luie Boone demands that you ask about the Iron Horse Pup Cup with Bacon (don't forget the bacon!) when visiting. If your pooch is anything like Luie Boone or that cute pup pictured to the left, they'll be destroying that pup cup of whipped cream, bacon, and a Milk Bone! Luie Boone really hopes he can get two.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Leech Lake, Minnesota
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
You remember what I was talking about at the beginning of this post? How the name Leech Lake, Minnesota, makes me a little nervous? Because excuse me? Leeches? No, thank you. But before we all go full zoomies in the opposite direction, let me reassure you: leeches today are not the drama! That's right! Leeches are mostly harmless, don't carry diseases, and if you take a few precautions—like avoiding mucky shallows, sticking to clear water, and doing a quick post-swim belly check—you should be as a golden as a retriever! Plus, who would want to miss out on a vacation here? There are trails through the woods, wide open spaces where I can run, and a lake so paw-some for cannonballs. Still... why couldn't the lake be Splash Lake or Tailwag Bay or even Fetchwater? Those names sound like fun. But, in the end, I'll go wherever my hoomans go, because that's what dogs do.
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