Bowstring Lake - Deer River

Lake of North Central Minnesota

Bowstring Lake is in Deer River, Minnesota, located just 30 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids features restaurants, shops, and attractions along with Itasca County Airport and Grand Itasca Hospital. Deer River offers small-town conveniences along with the White Oak Casino, a local favorite.

A Great Body of Water

The waters of Bowstring Lake stretch across 9,500 acres and have a maximum depth of 32 feet. Its 34-mile shoreline features residential properties and Snug Harbor Resort, Bowstring Shores Resort, Gorgene’s Haven, and several boat launches.

Endless Outdoor Activities

Summers spent on Bowstring Lake include boating, waterskiing, wave running, tubing, kayaking, and more.

Bowstring Lake stands out from other fisheries of the area with its healthy walleye, perch, crappie, and northern pike. It is just as promising for ice fishing.

Bordering the lake, the Chippewa National Forest is an excellent place for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.

Within the forest lies the “Lost 40 of Minnesota,” a 144-acre forest bypassed by loggers in 1882. The white pines, red pines, and spruce firs still stand today, some over 100 feet tall.

City Fun

For a fun night out, White Oak Casino is just minutes away in Deer Run. You can travel on to Grand Rapids to visit the Judy Garland Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, Macrostie Art Center, and Historic Century School. You can also take the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway for some of the best views in Itasca County.

Start Enjoying the Outdoors

In the lush forests of Northern Minnesota, Bowstring Lake is a beautiful and active environment all year round.