Water Recreation in Little Falls, MN

August 1, 2023

Posted in: Blog

Water Recreation

With the Minnesota heat bearing down on us, many people are looking for ways to cool off. An easy fix is to find somewhere with air conditioning, a tasty route is to find a place that sells delicious, cold treats, but many of us still want to get out and about to enjoy the summer days while they last before the cold and snow of fall and winter are upon us. One great way to stay cool and still enjoy the outdoors is to get out on the water.

Sandcastle

Green Prairie Fish Lake Swimming Beach

One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of cooling off on a hot day is the beach. Little Falls is fortunate to have a fantastic beach located on the south side of Green Prairie Fish Lake. The beach features a lovely sandy shore, perfect for soaking in the sun and building sandcastles, as well as a volleyball court, picnic tables, a gazebo, and restrooms. Pack up your towels, floaties, and a lunch to come enjoy this incredible beach. There’s also a boat landing west of the beach for those looking to go out on the water for some tubing, skiing, and fishing.

Paddle Boarding

The Mississippi River

Another great way to get out on the water this summer is to travel along the Mississippi River. If you don’t already have a kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you can stop in at Shirley Mae’s Outfitters to rent equipment. They also offer shuttle services for trips with durations between two hours and two days! Even if you have your own gear, they’ll happily provide shuttle services for you and your craft to any of six landings within seventeen miles of their location. Enjoy a relaxing trip along the river and discover why Little Falls is known for being the city where the Mississippi pauses.

Pike Creek

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

Another great spot for canoeing is at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. Along with campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas, historic markers, and a playground, the park also has a few locations where visitors can put their canoes in. There is a canoe launch sight along Pike Creek which feeds into the Mississippi River. There are also two campsites available along Pike Creek that offer canoe-in spots. You can bring your own gear and crafts, or you can rent canoes from the park office; rentals include paddles and life jackets. The park also has a boat launch located on Pike Creek. Take to the water and enjoy the stunning views of our state park.

Water Recreation

Other Locations

There are a wide variety of resorts and campgrounds just outside of Little Falls and in the surrounding area, many of which offer their own water accesses and rentals. Campfire Bay Resort in Cushing is located on Fish Trap Lake. Here you’ll find cabin lodgings, boat/pontoon and canoe/kayak rentals, tons of activities, a beach with fun inflatables, and so much more! Another resort on Fish Trap Lake is Sweetwater Resort. They too offer cabin lodging, rentals, a beautiful beach, and fun activities all summer long. Crow Wing Lake Campground in Brainerd is located on Crow Wing Lake and includes campsites, rentals, trails, and lots of fun activities. Two Rivers Campground in Royalton offers campsites, tubing, pools, mini golf, playgrounds, and more!