Libby Dam
Sandy Lake Recreational Area Has it All THE
U.S.
ARMY
CORPS
OF
ENGINEERS
PROVIDES
MANY VALUABLE SERVICES TO THE BRAINERD LAKES
PREMIER PONTOONS
ARE GREAT FOR CRUISING, FISHING & WATER SKIING.
A R E A . One of my favorites is the area known as Libby Dam at the Sandy Lake Recreational Area north of McGregor. The pristine waters of Big Sandy Lake are regionally famous, and this gathering point offers a plethora of public services. Situated at the outlet of Big Sandy Lake, the park is the last link of the old canoe route that connected Lake Superior to the Mississippi River. The dam was built in 1895, originally built with a lock that allowed boat traffic through to the river. At the time it was the farthest north a lock had been built on the headwaters. RECREATION
The area is a clean, well-maintained space that offers boating, fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking, interpretive programs and playground areas. Visitors can camp with their RVs or pitch tents in the several riverside camp sites. About half of the sites are nestled near the shore of Big Sandy Lake and the Sandy River. The beach is lined with trees, covered in sand and provides access to the cool waters of Big Sandy during the summer heat. The dam itself is an impressive stone structure. When the water is let out of the chutes, large cascades of white water fly through the air. Large carp or buffalo fish can be seen lolling in the quieter gates. Downstream from the dam is a popular fishing area that boats do not have access to, providing a quiet, safe fishing area. From the parking lot, crossing the dam leads to a playground, volleyball area and picnic sites along the water. A trail also leads through the campsite and into the woods through the thick hardwood forest that characterizes the lake and river area. During the spring the freshly melted snow gives life to the river and water gushes through the dam’s spillways. The budding trees, spring ephemeral flowers on the forest floor and the warmer days bring people to the area from all around the county looking to get a breath of fresh air. The area is primarily used for recreation now, but there are plenty of ways to see how the land was used in the past. The old lock house has been converted to a museum, renovated to display interpretive exhibits and artifacts, and information about the surrounding area.
25 Premier Pontoons In The Showroom Powered by Honda Outboards
*Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual
HISTORY
By 1904, the original timber dam was deteriorating and was in need of repair. Steamboats and horse wagons carried concrete from the Pine River Dam to make the repairs. The lock was converted to a spillway in 1957, no longer allowing boat traffic through. The significance of the area reaches back to the 1700s when explorers and fur traders portaged the area, which connected Sandy Lake and the Upper Mississippi River with the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. Just south of the dam, the Northwest Company established a fur trading post in 1794. Several old graves line a small hill near the dam tender’s house that are also of interest. This is one of the best family hiking and picnicking destinations in Aitkin County. If you have a boat, there are three boat landings and plenty of parking, as well. Don’t forget to take your fishing rod. Big Sandy has delicious walleye.
STAPLES SPORTS - LINCOLN -
218-575-2086
J A C O B K U L J U is a Minnesota-based freelance writer who also writes regularly for the Voyageur Press of McGregor. Contact him at jmkulju@gmail.com.
J a c o b
Fishing, Fi hi C Cruising i i & TTriple i l TTube b P Pontoons t
8 miles South of Motley on Hwy 10
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