With as many bodies of water as there are in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you’d expect that we’d have a beach or two. Well, you’d be right. Lake Superior, for example, is like an inland sea, and Duluth’s renowned Park Point Beach is regularly recognized as one of the best in the country. In fact there are several beaches along Lake Superior that could make you believe you’re at the ocean. But you may not know that one of the best beaches in Minnesota is an inland - i.e., not on Lake Superior - strand that could make you swear you’re on the coast.
The Southern Unit of Big Bog State Recreation Area, on Upper Red Lake, near Waskish, is home to Waskish Beach - one of the best beaches in Minnesota.
Red Lake is the largest lake that entirely contained within Minnesota’s borders.
In fact, it’s the largest freshwater lake that’s located wholly within the borders of any state in the U.S. The east side of Upper Red Lake is fringed with sand that angles into the water at such a gentle slope, you can walk out dozens of yards from the shore before you reach truly deep water.
In addition to the recreation area, there are a few resorts along the shore, where you can camp right on the beach, and enjoy the sand and water.
The west-facing shoreline makes for glorious sunsets over the massive lake.
Because you typically cannot see the far shore, the sun often appears as though is sliding into the water of the lake as it slips below the horizon.
As the name of Big Bog Recreation Area implies, there’s a little more to the park than just the beach.
It’s part of a massive peatland system.
In fact, this part of Minnesota is home to the largest peat bog in the Lower 48.
Check out this video from Ben Luebbert that showcases much of what there is to do on Upper Red Lake and in Big Bog State Recreation Area.
We think you’ll enjoy this gorgeous beach as much as we do! You could even make it part of a road trip and have a perfect Minnesota beach day!
Have you visited Waskish Beach at Big Bog State Recreation Area? Let us know how you liked it in the comments - and be sure to tell us about your favorite beaches in Minnesota!
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