Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Celebrate the Changing Seasons with These Can’t-Miss Gatherings and Community Events

7 August 2023
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Categories: Blog, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Fall is a beautiful season here in Northern, MN, famous for its display of changing colors. Folks flock to visit our vibrant region as the cool weather settles in, for camping, bonfires, beer, and special events. There are plenty of celebrations throughout this change of seasons, and this post will overview some of our favorites here at Bill Hansen Realty.

Ethnic Fest

Since winter can start at any time here in the Great North, we start celebrating autumn early. This year, Ethnic Fest is September 9th. This event is a celebration of the diverse culture of not only the Leech Lake area, but all of Minnesota! The weekend is overflowing with amazing foods, arts and crafts, and dozens of unique performances. Join us for a weekend full of family fun, amazing music and a rich celebration of our unique culture.

Muskie Tournament

Another popular local activity for the fall is muskie fishing. Muskie’s, Inc. will host its longest-running tournament, The Frank Schneider Memorial Muskie Tournament, this September 8th through the 10th. This event is held across 20+ lakes in the Bemidji/Cass Lake, Walker/Leech Lake area of northern Minnesota. Everyone who registers is entered to win one of several grand prizes, awarded at the end of the weekend.

Harvest Moon Festival

The Moondance Harvest Moon Festival is scheduled for September 16th, 2023. The festival is a huge beer and wine tasting festival, with over 150 craft beers, wines, and spirits to try. There’s also tons of food, entertainment, and activities including yard games, axe throwing, karaoke, music, and dancing. Over 3,000 people attended last year so make your plans early and consider booking a hotel or camping reservation in advance!

Oktoberfest & Fall Fest

Last on the list for this fall are two of our favorite local breweries: Portage Brewing and Rendezvous Brewing. Both have hosted special fall events in the past and we’re looking forward to celebrating with them again this year. Portage Brewing’s Seasons Change Oktoberfest Celebration is set for September 23rd and in the past, they’ve hosted live music and have launched their fall beer releases and food menu. Rendezvous Brewing hosts a Fall Fest that’s scheduled for October 7th this year. Last year they had tons of local food and special beer releases, as well as sales and specials from some favorite local shops! Keep an eye on these two and their social media accounts for information about this year’s celebration, as we head into fall!

The change of the seasons is a special time here in the Walker/Hackensack area. We know that winter is coming, and we are determined to soak up every second we can before that time comes. It’s an especially important moment to celebrate our wonderful region, our local and family businesses, and all that this great community has to offer. We hope to see you doing the same!

Capture Minnesota’s Unique Summer Experience with These Adventure Ideas

13 June 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Most residents of Minnesota know – it’s the summers that make the winters worth living through. With all the nature and water that surrounds us, even in the cities, there is no limit on recreation options once the weather warms up. Bill Hansen Realty’s guide to outdoor recreation includes many of the classics and a few new ideas for you to try this summer.

Up-North Camping

Two of the most popular summer activity options are camping and hiking. We’re surrounded by state parks, beautiful hiking trails, and camping options of various accessibility. Some popular camping locations are:

  • Along the Superior Hiking Trail, commonly known as the North Shore.
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is a one-of-a-kind wilderness area consisting of a huge network of freshwater lakes, streams, islands, and forests.
  • Voyageurs National Park, MN’s only national park. Campsites are accessible by boat only.
  • George Crosby Manitou State Park, a great spot for backpacking and hike-in camping.

Our favorite spot a bit closer to home is: Chippewa National Forest. Located just 15 miles from Walker, Chippewa offers campsites at Stony Point, as well as boat access, a swimming beach, and picnic areas.

Favorite Hiking Spots

Favorite hiking spots in northern MN include the previously mentioned Superior Hiking Trail and Chippewa National Forest. Itasca State Park is another option near home, which famously houses the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Finally, if you’re up for a small journey, or heading to the North Shore, check out Gooseberry Falls. Known for its namesake, the park offers multiple waterfalls, camping, hiking, and biking trails.

Local Community Festivals

Here in Northern MN, we celebrate any excuse to get together with community. Over the next few months, both Walker and Detroit Lakes are hosting music festivals – Walker’s Rock Music Festival is 7/20-22 and Detroit Lakes’ Country Music Festival is 8/3-5. Bemidji is also hosting its Annual Water Carnival 6/29-7/4 and Grand Rapids boasts the World’s Largest Wild Rice Festival 7/7-7/9.

Other Local Activities:

Some other popular activities occurring throughout the summer are:

  • Farmer’s markets and flea markets – filled with antiques, knick-knacks, food, music, and more, farmer’s and flea markets are an easy way to spend a weekend morning with family and friends.
  • Wineries and breweries – check out some local favorites like Forestedge Winery, Winedown, Portage Brewing Company, and Rendezvous Brewing.
  • Boating, Fishing & Swimming – find a public access beach near you and spend a day in or on the water!

Places to Visit

While many of the options mentioned in this blog are relatively local to North-Central Minnesota, there are several spots we love that are a bit farther away. If you’re looking to plan a getaway this summer, may we recommend the following destinations:

  • North Shore / Superior Hiking Trail
  • Duluth / Two Harbors
  • Lutsen / Grand Marais
  • BWCA
  • Twin Cities

We love Minnesota – the landscape, residents, and recreation. There are so many unique and special places here and we want everyone to have an amazing summer experience. If we missed your favorite place, let us know! We love hearing from and celebrating our up-north community.

Celebrate Summer with the 6 Best Beaches the Region Has to Offer

3 May 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Our beloved home of Minnesota is known for its abundant lakes, and there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in the state. Here are six of our favorite area resorts with amazing beaches. Some offer public access while others are for guests only, but each provides unique features, activities, and lodging options.

Blue Water Resort | Hackensack | Private Beach Access for Guests Only

Located in the charming town of Hackensack, Blue Water Resort provides guests with private access to the clear and clean waters of Birch Lake. Boaters will also enjoy easy access to Birch Lake from the resort’s private boat launch, and anglers will find plenty of opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and bass. The resort offers cabin rentals and RV sites with hookups throughout the summer.

Pine Ridge Resort | Longville | Public Beach Access

Pine Ridge Resort is located on the shores of Boy Lake, known for its pristine water and excellent fishing. The resort features a sandy beach with a gradual slope, making it perfect for swimming and water activities. The beach is open to the public, and day visitors can access the beach for a fee. Pine Ridge Resort is also great for kayaking and canoeing, as the lake is relatively calm with many bays and inlets to explore. This resort offers cabin rentals and camping sites.

Wildwood Beach Resort | Hackensack | Public Beach Access

Wildwood Beach Resort features a wide beachfront on the sandy shores of Little Boy Lake. The beach is open to the public, and day visitors can access the beach for a fee. The beach is great for swimming and sunbathing, and the water is perfect for water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The resort offers cabin rentals and camping sites and also features a playground for kids and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.

Shores of Leech Lake | Walker | Private Beach Access for Guests Only

Located in the town of Walker, Shores of Leech Lake offers a large beach area with soft sand and crystal clear water. The resort is situated on a bay, making it a great spot for fishing and boating. The beach is private and exclusive to resort guests. Shores of Leech Lake also features a sauna and a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the water. The resort offers cabin rentals and RV sites.

Tri Birches Resort | Hackensack | Public Beach Access

Tri Birches Resort offers not one, not two, but three beautiful beaches on Woman Lake. Each of the beaches at Tri Birches Resort features translucent waters and soft sand. The beaches are open to the public, and day visitors can access the beach for a fee. Boaters can access Woman Lake from the resort’s private boat launch, and anglers will have the chance to catch walleye, northern pike, and musky. The resort offers cabin rentals and camping sites.

Hiawatha Beach Resort | Walker | Private Beach Access for Guests Only

Hiawatha Beach Resort is located on the southern shore of Leech Lake and boasts a sandy beach with crystal-clear water. The resort offers private and exclusive beach access to resort guests only. The resort offers easy access to Leech Lake, one of Minnesota’s largest and most popular lakes. Boaters will enjoy easy access to the lake from the resort’s private boat launch, and anglers will find plenty of opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and musky. The resort offers cabin rentals and RV sites.

We love our region, and we wait all winter to watch it come alive in the sun. Walker, Hackensack and Longville have some of the best lakes and beaches the state has to offer and they are perfect for summer vacation. Whether you are looking for calm waters, sandy beaches, great fishing, or family fun and activities, you’ll find it all in North-Central Minnesota.

A Fun History of Walker, Minnesota You May Not Have Known

20 March 2023
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Categories: Blog, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

The Early Days of Walker, MN

Like much of the United States, the land known today as Walker, MN was originally inhabited by indigenous people. The Dakota tribe settled there for a long time before they were eventually pushed out by the Ojibwe people, moving west from the Great Lakes. European American settlers encroached on these Native American territories as they followed the fur trade in the late 1800’s.

Walker, Minnesota’s Founder

Patrick McGarry founded the town of Walker in 1896, following the construction of the Minnesota & International Railroad, which ended in Walker. The town started out as a hot spot for fur trading but with the construction of the rail line, the business expanded. McGarry named the town after the successful logging tycoon Thomas B. Walker, in hopes of driving a new kind of business to the area.

Thomas Walker wound up founding the neighboring town of Akeley, due to his wife’s sensitivity to Walker’s rough, frontier nature. The town of Walker did benefit from these nearby operations and many other businesses, jobs, and services were generated as a result.

Changing Industries Over the Years

Throughout the 1900s, tourism took over as the primary industry of Walker, as it became a destination town of Northern Minnesota. People from surrounding cities began to pursue and prioritize recreation, and the lake provided abundant opportunities. At one time, Leech Lake had over 100 resorts located on it! In 1950, Walker hit its highest population of 1,175 residents. These days, it’s back below the 1,000 thresholds.

Walker, Minnesota Today

Today, Walker is best known for being a quaint town “up north.” The downtown area has many unique businesses including family restaurants and boutique shops. Leech Lake is still the main attraction and the town revolves around the seasons. Boating, swimming, and fishing rule over the summer while winter brings opportunities to snowmobile, ice fish, shop, and keep warm inside the cabin!

If you’re interested in becoming one of the 1,000 people that call this area their seasonal or year-round home, just take a look at our current Leech Lake listings!

Three Activities to Keep You Entertained at the Cabin this Winter

14 December 2022
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Things to Do, Vacation Property

While most of us Minnesotans are used to the cold and snow, there are just some days when you feel like cozying in and having an indoor activity day. These three activities are fun for all ages and will help you pass the time as you stay warm and dry.

Create an Indoor Obstacle Course

Gather the pillow, blankets, chairs, and anything else you can find – it’s time to start an obstacle course! For days when it’s too cold, or you just don’t feel like getting wet outside, this is a great activity for all ages. From building the course to racing through it, this will account for hours of fun for everyone. Don’t forget to remove anything breakable and make sure you’re making safe decisions! 

Host an Indoor Scavenger Hunt

This is another great option for people of every age to enjoy the day. Hide clues around the cabin and form teams, or make it a group effort to solve riddles and find a prize! You could also take turns creating scavenger hunts for each other so that the fun lasts even longer!

Get Baking

Whether it’s bread or cake or cookies, this is an activity everyone can get behind. Even if some of your group doesn’t want to participate in the baking, you can be sure that they’ll join in when it comes time for the tasting.
However you choose to spend your time this winter, the team at Bill Hansen Realty hopes that you stay warm and safe! As always, reach out to us at any time with all of your vacation property needs!

Top Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List at the Cabin

30 November 2022
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

If you’re looking to make your Christmas Up North at the cabin the best one yet, you’ve come to the right place. These unique gifts will be a hit with each of your loved ones this year. 

For the Coffee Lover

Winnow MN brings you the best coffees from local roasteries throughout Minnesota. Their subscription box is the perfect way for any coffee connoisseur to find their new favorite blend. You’ll also get to support local Minnesota businesses!

For the Techie

Drones are the latest craze among the tech-obsessed. They’ve become more affordable in recent years, but still pack the same amount of fun and adventure for your favorite techies. Capture quality aerial footage with this camera drone. 

For the Book Worm

Serious book lovers have a seriously impressive library. This personalized rubber stamp will add a little more class to each book. Not to mention that this will be the perfect touch for those that love to lend out their favorite reads. 

For the Foodie

For the person in your life who loves trying new foods and new recipes, this international snack box is the perfect way to try a variety of foods from around the world. You can sign them up for either one box, or give them a subscription. 

For the Green Thumb

If you have a loved one that is basically living in an indoor tropical jungle, we’ve got a great gift for them. This hanging wall propagation station not only is perfect for their ever-growing plant collection, but it looks great too. 

We hope you have a great Minnesota Holiday season celebrating with those you love at the cabin. If you need anything cabin-related, our team is always here to help!

Best Fall Activities in Northern Minnesota You Need to Check Out

28 August 2022
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

We might be biased, but we think that Northern Minnesota has the best fall around. The trees are a sight to see and Minnesotans drive from all over the state and even cross the border to see the changing leaves. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are so many fun fall activities to check out Up North.

Oktoberfest

Celebrate your German heritage, or just enjoy the delicious food and beverages! Oktoberfests pop up all around the world, and we have one right here in Longville on September 17th. Downtown Longville will host its festival with a beer garden, music, arts and crafts, and dancing! 

Pumpkin Patches + Apple Orchards

One of the best parts of fall is visiting a local pumpkin or apple farm. With options to pick your own pumpkins or apples, activities for the kids, and tons of preserves, baked goods, and drinks to try, this is a great option for the whole family. 

Haunted Houses

Fall is everyone’s favorite spooky season and what better way to experience a fright than a haunted house! Many haunted houses also have historic elements based on true Minnesota stories. Haunted Hallows in Paul Bunyon Land features tons of fun Northern Minnesota folklore! 

Fall Foliage Drives

Of course, the number one best thing to do in the Northern Minnesota Fall is to take a scenic trip to see the gorgeous fall foliage. There are lots of recommended driving routes, as well as several train tours that run specifically to showcase the beauty of Minnesota’s Fall.


Whatever you choose to do this Fall, we hope that you have a cozy cabin or vacation home to warm up in! If not, let us help you find one that you love. Check out our current properties.

3 Fun Day Trips Under 3 Hours from the Leech Lake Area

27 June 2022
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Summer is a great time to take a day trip or two with family or friends for some new scenery and fun activities. These 3 day trips are under three hours of driving and have a ton of options for everyone at every age. 

Fargo, ND

Fargo offers everything from art to history to amusement parks to outdoor recreation. Spend some time at the Red River Zoo or stop by the Plains Art Museum. With events happening all year round, this city can satisfy the itch to get out of town and see something new. 

Duluth, MN

On the shores of Lake Superior, you can find something for everyone in Duluth. Visit the Fresh Water Aquarium, check out the lighthouses on Superior’s shores, or browse through the shops downtown. End the day at one of Duluth’s restaurants, breweries, or distilleries. 

International Falls, MN

Just on the border between Canada and Minnesota – this tiny town packs a lot of punch. At the Smokey Bear Park you can get your photo taken with a giant statue of Smokey the Bear, and take a boat tour around or spend the day hiking at Voyageur National Park.

Take some time away from your Northern Minnesota cabin and explore these fun cities and their attractions. If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, check out these local summer festivals! 

Fun Northern Minnesota Summer Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss

18 May 2022
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

In Minnesota, we know how to do summer right! With long winters and a short opportunity to enjoy the warm weather, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of summer, get outdoors, and enjoy some local events that will create lasting memories. 

Sweetheart Days (July 8-13) – Hackensack, MN 

Since 1952 Hackensack has been celebrating Sweetheart Days as an homage to Lucette Diana Kensack or “The Lady of the Lake.” Lucette is Paul Bunyon’s wife, and the festival celebrates Lucette’s faithful waiting for Paul to get back from his work in the woods. Her statue stands by the lake, and the festival includes parades, contests, games, art, and more! 

Northwoods Art & Book Festival (August 13) – Hackensack, MN

This event is the longest-running art and literature festival in Minnesota! Featuring local artists and writers, there is plenty to do and see during this one-day festival, including live music, beer, food trucks, lots of booths to visit, art to see, and books to read! 

Moondance Music Festivals (Country: June 16-18, Rock: July 21-23) – Walker, MN

Whether you love rock-and-roll or prefer to two-step to country music, Moondance offers two music festivals in the summer to let you jam out to your favorite music and artists. Since 1992, Moondance has provided music for all at their Walker, MN venue. Be sure to check out their other year-round events to see if your favorite artist might be visiting! 

We’re excited to enjoy summer with you this year! Check out our available properties if you’re looking for your dream cabin to stay in after all of the local fun. 

Four Outstanding ATV and OHV Trails in Northern Minnesota

27 April 2022
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do, Vacation Property

If you love getting outdoors on your All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), there are four great trails in Northern Minnesota that you should check out this year. 

Soo Line North Trail: Cass County

This 52-mile trail makes its way through Bowstring State Forest and lands you on Cass Lake. The trail shows you various odds and ends that make Northern Minnesota unique and give you a great day trip with friends or family. 

Martineau OHM Trail

With single-track trails that loop within each other, this has rugged trails for more experienced riders and smooth trails for beginners. Found in Paul Bunyon State Forest, this trail is a great option for everyone to enjoy their time Up North. 

Spider Lake ATV Trails

Winding through Foot Hills State Forest, this trail takes you by lakes and ridges, over hills, and down slopes throughout the woods. There are 29 miles of both smooth and rocky trails that make it an excellent place for the whole family. Spider Lake Trails also are open year-round so bring your snowmobile in the winter! 

Axtell ATV Park

This off-the-beaten-path ATV park is accessible on the Soo Line North Trail in Aitkin County but boasts a more rustic and natural-feeling ride. This area is part of the 200-mile Northwoods ATV trail system, an excellent option for a weekend of off-roading. 

We hope you take advantage of the great outdoors Up North in Minnesota this summer, and if you’re still on the hunt for your dream cabin, we have some tips to help you find your Northern Minnesota vacation home.