Crosslake, Minnesota travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Crosslake is a city in Northwestern Minnesota.

10 places to eat · 5 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 4°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Pine City)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
BRD Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, Brainerd — 19 mi away. Directions
HIB Range Regional Airport, Hibbing — 78 mi away. Directions
MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 131 mi away (major hub). Directions

From Minneapolis, drive 2.5 hrs north on I-94W and MN-18 W.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $88–$320 a night (typical $132), from 8 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$210, comfortable ~$490.

Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

On the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, Crosslake is a year-round vacation destination, home to 14 island studded lakes known as the Whitefish Chain, not to mention a rich history of Indian lore and logging.

Get in

By car

From Minneapolis, drive 2.5 hrs north on I-94W and MN-18 W.

From Fargo, drive 2 hr 40 mins east on US-10E, Co Hwy 8 and Co Hwy 24.

By rail

Even though there is no train line that goes through Crosslake, there is an Amtrak line that goes to the Staples train station, about 50 minutes away from Crosslake.

By bus

By plane

The Breezy Point Airport is a general aviation airport right outside of the borders of Crosslake.

Get around

By bike

Rent a surrey bike for the ultimate way to get around town.

On foot

Bike and walking paths are found throughout the city.

See

Stop by the Crosslake Historic Log Village to learn more about the area history. The Chamber of Commerce office is staffed during the summer months with retired volunteers that know the area inside and out.

Do

Stop in at Crosslake Town Square all summer long on Saturdays 6PM to 8PM for free entertainment. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy! Great for adults and kids (and grandkids).

Lots of food and distinctive shops in the Town Square.

Rent a boat, and explore the pristine waters of the Whitefish chain of lakes, whether you plan on fishing or just boating around.
Play mini golf at Whistling Wolf Mini Golf, offering 27 holes in total over two courses.

Buy

Visit Lakes Area Gallery in Crosslake Town Square. They offer a diverse selection of originals, limited edition prints and canvases and poster prints. They are professional picture framers using conservation materials and techniques. An eclectic line of home decor is also offered. Also, visit Lundgrians Clothing, also in town square. They offer great apparel, for both men and woman. Also, if you happen to be running low on food or personal hygiene products, stop in at Reed's Market.