Rock Quarry and Prisoners Lake. A stone quarry existed in the Devou Park area before the Devou Family presented the property to the city for use as a park. In 1916, the Covington City Commission proposed that prisoners from the Covington Jail be put to work in this quarry.
During the winter months anglers enjoy some excellent hard water action. Crow Lake offers you the opportunity to experience some of the best lake trout fishing through the ice in our area. Whether utilizing a local ice road or heading out on your own on your snow machine, Lake of the Woods treats anglers to some excellent crappie, walleye, and northern pike fishing. If you're looking to explore more of Lake of the Woods, then head over to Whitefish Bay for some lake trout and northern pike fishing.
When it comes to ice fishing our area offers easy access and great fishing.
One doesn't have to be a hard-core fisherman to experience these waters; there are lodges that offer boats and fishing guides who can take you to the honey hole of the day. Our guide was not only savvy at fishing, he knew the region's history and pointed out abundant wildlife - which is another perk of Lake of the Woods.Spotting local critters is downright easy here, and it's a good idea to keep your eyes on the shoreline. The area is home to deer, bear, moose, eagles, wolf, lynx and fox, not to mention loons and many species of songbirds and waterfowl.Kayakers love the shores of Berry Lake, Dryberry Lake, Black Lake, Blindfold Lake and Andy Lake. There are also many smaller rivers to explore.
If you require a little more excitement, a tour company such as Green Adventures can help you out. Located right outside of Kenora, it can set you up to go rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding.The Eco History tour offered by Totem Lodge is new this year. It includes a tour of ancient rock paintings and a World War II prisoner of war camp, where Canadians held German POWs.
The guides also point out the lake's diverse ecology, as well as the best wild rice patches and berry-picking spots. Participants, who don't have to be guests of the lodge, can even add geocaching to the package. (Call 1-800-668-6836 for details.) WHERE TO STAYThe Sioux Narrows area has a healthy selection of accommodations.We nestled in at Totem Resorts; owners Eric and Sandra Brown also own neighboring lodges Yellowbird and Wiley Point. The cabins at Totem don't disappoint - they offer the knotty pine, rustic feel but also have such amenities as air conditioning, color TVs and screened-in porches.
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Our little cabin was charmingly named 'Little Joe.' Yellowbird Lodge & Chalet has a more luxurious feel, with a wedding party prepping for their big day on its shores during our visit. Fisherman parties tend to choose Wiley Point, the most secluded of the three (1-800-668-6836; ).If you'd rather float, there are houseboats for rent. One company, Floating Lodges of Sioux Narrows, offers sprawling 60-foot houseboats as well as a cute 40-footer complete with picnic table on the top deck (1-800-743-5171; www. ) WHERE TO EATLocals recommend Big John's Mineshaft. Not only is the food comforting, the view of the lake is fantastic as the Mineshaft sits right on the water at the Narrows bridge (20 Paradise Point; 1-807-226-5224). You can also find locals at the Dockhouse Sports Bar, the hot spot for wings and pizza (Hwy.
71; 1-807-226-3625).But the Lake of the Woods experience isn't complete without an old-fashioned fish fry on shore. Ours was included in the trip we arranged through Totem Lodge. The guide prepared lightly battered fresh fish, seasoned potatoes and canned baked beans, all cooked over an open flame, serving us a meal from a true Up North restaurant. IF YOU GOVisitors can find information at and, a site maintained by the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.Kelly Jo McDonnell is a freelance writer based in Lino Lakes.