Welcome to the

Whitefish Chain of Lakes

The Minnesota Your Remember

Fourteen lakes. One unforgettable stretch of Minnesota.
The perfect place to fish, explore, eat well, and remember why you love Up North.

Cabin on the whitefish chain of lakes
The whitefish chain of lakes, lake life with canoes

ABOUT THE CHAIN

GET AWAY THE WHITEFISH WAY

The Whitefish Chain of Lakes in Minnesota is one of the most beloved lake destinations in the state and for good reason. Fourteen interconnected lakes stretch across Crow Wing County, offering something for every kind of northern adventurer.

Whether you’re casting a line at sunrise, kayaking between lakes in the afternoon, getting in a quick 18, or just sitting on the dock doing absolutely nothing, there’s something for absolutely everyone here.

From cozy cabins on the Whitefish Chain to full-service resorts, we’ve got the perfect spot to lay your head with the authentic Chain experience you crave.

Hike it, paddle it, fish it, bike it. The Whitefish Chain of Lakes has outdoor activities for every season and every excuse to come back again.

From supper clubs to dockside bars, dining on the Whitefish Chain is part of the experience. Pull up a chair, the walleye isn’t going to eat itself.

RELAX AND RECHARGE

THIS IS THE LAKE LIFE, MINNESOTA-STYLE.

The Whitefish Chain, MN: Unpretentious, unhurried, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of place where kids still run barefoot to the water, where neighbors wave from their pontoons, and where the loons remind you every morning that yes, this is actually real life.

Illustrated map of Minnesota with various activities
Fishing on the whitefish chain of lakes
Canoeing on the whitefish chain of lakes

WHY THE CHAIN

CONSIDER THIS YOUR LAST FIRST TRIP UP NORTH.

There’s a reason people keep coming back to Whitefish Lake, Minnesota year after year. It’s the pace. The smell of pine and sunscreen. The way a whole day on the chain of lakes in Minnesota somehow feels longer and shorter than any other day of the year.

The Whitefish Chain sits at the heart of Minnesota lake country, with easy access from the Twin Cities and a community that still feels like a genuine Up North escape. Come for a long weekend. Stay longer than you planned. You won’t be the first!

FRESH OFF THE CHAIN

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS

Trip ideas, local events, seasonal guides, and the kind of Up North intel that makes every visit better. Take a gander.

Animated illustration of a man riding elk while swinging a cowboy hat.

RECREATION

FOUR FALL ADVENTURES

There is great adventure the cold mornings in a duck blind, hiking through snow on a cold morning walk, or freezing your face in the cold north wind.

RECREATION

GOLFING ON WALA TIME

Minnesota is one of the top states for golf in the country and the Whitefish Chain is located in the heart of some of the best golf courses in the state.

RECREATION

SPRINGTIME ON THE CHAIN

There is so much to see and explore as you navigate through the lakes that make up this sprawling 14,000+ acres of beautiful, clear water in Crosslake, MN.

MEET THE BOARD

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CABIN

The Whitefish Area Lakes Association is made up of locals who know this place the way only locals can, because they live here, work here, and love it here!

Our board members are resort owners, community stewards, and longtime Chain residents whose shared mission is simple: to strengthen the Whitefish Chain community, welcome visitors from near and far, and grow tourism in a way that keeps this corner of Minnesota as special as it’s always been.

Stuart Swenson

PRESIDENT

1st year of 2-year term
stuart@everythingunderthesun.com

Tim Berg

vice PRESIDENT

1st year of 1-year term
Tim_berg220@msn.com

Vickey Leonard

Treasurer

1st year of 2-year term
pinedale@uslink.net

Jackie Novitsky

Secretary

1st year of 2-year term
jackie@blackpinebeach.com

Erica Meitz

Tax Coordinator

1 year of 1-year term
reservations@heathsresort.com

Animated illustration of cabin with z's coming from the chimney.

OWN A PLACE ON THE CHAIN?

LET'S PUT IT ON THE MAP

The Whitefish Chain draws thousands of visitors every year. Families, anglers, adventurers, and everyone in between, all looking for the perfect place to stay. If you own a property on the Chain, we’d love to list it.

FIND YOUR SPOT

CROSSLAKE, IDEAL TOWNSHIP, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

From the heart of Crosslake to the quieter shores of Ideal Township, the Chain stretches across some of the most beautiful lake country Minnesota has to offer. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action or tucked away on a quiet bay, you’ll find your spot here.

The whitefish chain of lakes, lake life with boats

Ready to play the Whitefish way?

THEN GET UP NORTH AND GO BUCK WILD EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS. COME STAY ON THE CHAIN.