Sand Lake - Max

Itasca County, Minnesota

Located in Max, Minnesota, Sand Lake is 43 miles from Grand Rapids. Falls International Airport is 99 miles away from Sand Lake, and Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is 44 miles away. Residents can shop for groceries and snacks locally at Max Mini Store and in Grand Rapids at Super One Foods and ALDI.

Life on the Water

Considered a top Minnesota fishing fishery, Sand Lake spans 4,300 acres. Via the Bowstring River, Sand Lake connects to Bowstring Lake, Little Sand Lake, Portage Lake, Bird’s Eye Lake, Rice Lake, Dora Lake, and Bigfork River, forming the Bowstring Chain of Lakes system. The lake has a maximum depth of 70 feet, but most of the water is around 50 feet deep. Because of its depth, Sand Lake stays cooler in the summer than most Minnesota Walleye fishing lakes, proving more prolific fishing year-round. In addition to hosting a healthy walleye population, Sand Lake is also home to northern bass, jumbo perch, crappie, and panfish. The area around the lake feels fairly secluded, and the Minnesota Resort, located on the south side of the waters, provides the chance to destress and relax. Besides fishing, residents can also swim, ski, tube, kayak, canoe, and cruise on these waters.

Visit Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a great location for a fun day trip! If you're interested in learning the history of logging in this part of the state, head down to the Forest History Center. You can see a recreation of a white pine logging camp from 1900, listen to stories from loggers and forest service patrolmen from different eras, or get a bird's eye view from a 100-foot fire tower. Follow the yellow brick road to the Judy Garland Museum, where you can get a glimpse at the world's most prominent Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz collection, including the world-famous ruby-red slippers from the movie. If you're getting hungry, you can check out the great restaurants that Grand Rapids has to offer, like Mitu Srilankan and Indian Cuisine, Donkey Taqueria, and Heritage Restaurant.

Superb Fishing and Fun Day Trips

If fishing is your priority, Sand Lake is the place for you. Plus, with opportunities to visit the nearby Grand Rapids, Sand Lake provides plenty of activities and fun!