Head To This Minnesota Island For Your Own Private Beach Oasis
By Betsy Rathburn|Published May 07, 2019
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Most of Minnesota’s population is concentrated in the southern half of the state. This region holds many interesting and beautiful attractions that are well worth visiting no matter which region you live in. But southern Minnesota isn’t the only beautiful part of the state. The north holds hundreds of fascinating places that will bring you closer to Minnesota history, culture, or nature. There are also a few places that will take you far from everything. One of the most interesting is a remote island that offers visitors their own private beach oasis. Take a look:
Garden Island State Recreation Area is an island on Lake of the Woods in the far northern reaches of Minnesota. You can only reach it by boat, most often by launching from Angle Inlet.
Because this remote, uninhabited island is only accessible by boat, it is full of nature. Its 734-acre expanse is made up of rocky shores, sandy beaches, and a thick forested area.
Over the years, guests have beaten trails through the thick growth of foliage. Exploring may bring you face to face with the many birds that make this area home. There are also deer, bears, and other north woods animals.
But the real star of the show might be the large stretch of beach. From this vantage point, you may be able to trick yourself into believing you're at the ocean.
If you're brave, you can take a dip into the waters of Lake of the Woods. But as far north as it is - and as big as it is - we're willing to bet it doesn't get too warm.
That makes this a wonderful place to come ashore after a long day of walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods. Bring a grill and cook up a fresh, delicious shore lunch.
As you eat, you'll be in one of Minnesota's most remote locations. With the sun on your back and the sand at your feet - not to mention the lake view - you'll feel like you've found your own private island oasis.
