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Sand Point Lake Vacation Guide

Congratulations! You have the wonderful opportunity to visit the Stolee Cabins on Sand Point Lake.

Sand Point Lake is in Voyageur country. Centuries ago the lakes served as a highway for traders and trappers. Now it is home to Voyageurs National Park. Across the lake in Canada some private land still exists, but the pristine wilderness maintains its beauty there as well. In 1949, Art Lenartson invited Rev. J.T. Stolee to visit and he fell in love with the place. He found a sand beach disguised under driftwood and saw the promise of a great retreat. Canada was still selling land at that time and he bought the piece with the beach and split rock. Jake and his wife Alice, with their children Dave, Jim and Karyn, built the first cabins, dubbed the Crow's Nest and the Squirrel Cage. In 1959, they added a piece across the bay and built the Eagle's Nest and the sauna. When they felt they could no longer keep the place up, they divided the pieces between their children. Now this beautiful wilderness waits for you to come and enjoy peace and quiet, rest and refreshment.

Directions

From the Minneapolis-St. Paul area take I-35 north to Cloquet. Take highway 33 to US highway 53. Take 53 north to Orr. At Orr turn right to take the Crane Lake road for most of its 28 miles. You will pass the Voyageur statue and Andersons canoe outfitters. Take a right at Handberg Road. Follow that road to either Handberg's Marine or to the public landing which is just short of the marina. From Detroit Lakes area take Highway 35 to Park Rapids. Turn north on US 71 which you will follow through Bemidji and Blackduck up to Northome. Turn east on Highway 1 and follow its meandering route until you reach Highway 73. Turn north on Highway 73 and go to Highway 53. Turn left (north) on 53 until you reach Orr. From Orr follow the directions above. From Perham take County Road 8 north to County Road 13. Take this north until it turns into 39. Keep following this north through Wolf Lake township and up to State Highway 35. Turn east on 35 to Park Rapids then follow the directions in the above paragraph.

What rules govern entry into Canada?

Canadian Customs is located just across the lake from the entrance to Sand Point Lake. It is accessible only by boat. Customs is open from May 15th until October 15th. At other times a remote area border crossing permit is required and can be acquired at Fort Frances. All persons must report to customs. The boat must be licensed. You must declare all firearms, tobacco, alcohol and any material (such as tools, lumber, furnishings, etc.) that you intend to leave there. Failure to declare honestly can result in loss of the contraband and your boat! Any animals must have a rabies certificate (a tag alone is not sufficient). Any minors not in the presence of their parents should have a birth certificate or valid passport and a notarized permission slip from their parents/guardians indicating their destination, length of stay, permission to travel with the adult that is taking them and name and phone number of parent.

On return to the U.S. you must report to U.S. Customs in Crane Lake. U.S. Customs requires a passport for your return (until the end of 2008 they will accept a birth certificate and driver's license).

The Water

The water in this chain of lakes is derived primarily from rain water. The rainfall leaches dissolved tannins from the bogs into the lake water giving it a brown color. This is not pollution but rather the natural color it has had for centuries. As with any lake water it is good advice to boil the water or use a purifier before drinking but this water is no dirtier or more dangerous than other lakes in Minnesota.

What if I bring my own boat?

It is best to land your boat at the public landing, which is free. Parking is difficult on holiday weekends but otherwise it is usually open. Handberg's Marine charges $15 for landing ($30 total for in and out). Parking at Handberg's is $5 per day. Gas can be purchased at Handberg's Marine. Gas and limited groceries are available at the Sand Point Lodge across from the Stolee cabins.

Things to Do

Cliff Diving

Not far by boat in Clearwater Bay are some excellent cliffs for diving.

Water Skiing

The many bodies of water near Valhalla make it almost certain that somewhere there is perfect water waiting for your water-skiing pleasure. Clearwater bay has long expanses of water that rarely see boat traffic. Water-skiing is best in Little David lake because it is shielded from almost all winds.

Swimming

There is a nice sand beach which is only a short walk. This beach is on the land owned by Marge Stolee who kindly makes it available for the respectful users. Beach badminton can be played on the beach. The water warms up here faster than anywhere else so swimming is possible most days. A kayak is available for paddling pleasure. There is a picnic table on the beach if you want to make a day of it.

Hiking Trails

There are a number of trails to explore. Derrick's Trail is a five to ten minute walk around the back of the lagoon ending at the beach. It is well marked and easy to moderate hiking. At the back of the lagoon there are rocks that can be climbed by those who are sure of foot. These are considered intermediate to advanced. There is also a difficult trail over the hill to Little David lake. This vigorous hike has the reward of a beautiful scenic view at the end.

Hollywood Walk of Fame is a trail that leads to the point. It is a difficult trail for the intermediate (adventurous) hiker only. It features more than one steep climb but is well marked and an enjoyable journey. The view from the point is excellent and the point features a picnic area and firepit. Brantner Trail goes back into the woods a ways before curving toward the point and ultimately towards Harrison Narrows ending at the Brantner cabins. This trail is a long walk but not too difficult. The newest trail leads across the woods to Garbage Bay beach. What if you get lost? Always tell someone if you are leaving the cabin area and where you will be going. If you are lost in the woods it is best to find water and skirt the shoreline until you encounter a cabin. If you are lost on the lake, wait until you see another boat and follow it to a main chain and ask for directions.

Climbing

In the back of the lagoon are some excellent cliffs for bouldering.

Boating

There are many places to go for a scenic boat ride. In fact, there are so many lakes and islands that it is easy to get lost so be sure to bring a map (available for purchase at Handberg's). Voyageur National Park is across the lake. This features many prepared trails, lakes and campsites to explore. Campsites are available on a first come-first served basis. A permit is necessary but is free. You may also camp in unmarked campsites but this is discouraged. There is still some private property in the park and you are asked to respect those property lines. The adventurous would take a long boat trip up to the historic Kettle Falls Inn (make sure your boat has plenty of gas).

A shorter trip will take you to the Vermillion River Gorge near Crane Lake.

Fishing

Fishing licences can be purchased at Smith's Resort across the bay from the Stolee cabins. You may fish in Minnesota if you have both licenses. Only Canadian minnows should be used in Canada. A conservation license is usually the best deal.

The mouth of the Red Horse, Namakan or Big David rivers will yield the best fishing.

Other Trips and Activities

There are great opportunities for guided fishing trips. Guides are available through Nelson's Resort and Sand Point Lodge. Guided trips can be taken to Namakan Lake, Little Eva Falls (a beautiful site and great bass fishing) and Lac La Croix.

The Lac La Croix trip is an interesting tour unto itself crossing two rail portages on your way to some great fishing. There is good dining available in Crane Lake at Nelson's Resort and the Voyagaire. Another good restaurant is on the Crane Lake road and is at the Trail's End Resort.

What if it storms?

The weather is best in July and August but even then a storm can come up quickly. It is best to be off the water as electrical storms are common. Still there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy even in ugly weather. Valhalla has a wood stove so keeping warm is not a problem.

Card games are always great for rainy day and evening fun. There is a wide assortment of board games and puzzles as well.

Others enjoy the peaceful time that allows them to catch up on their reading. There is an extensive library available for perusal. Reader's Digest magazines from the 1970s to the present are available. There are also books on fishing, Voyageur history, comic books and Viking information.

More Info on Accomodations at Valhalla