Where to PLAY

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Biking

The 70-mile-long mountain bike trail system covers nearly 800 acres inside the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CCSRA) and has been ranked as a silver level ride center by the International Mountain Bicycling

Association. This extensive network of trails provides riders with a variety of options to explore the park’s beautiful landscape. With over 30 purpose-built routes to choose from, the trials cater to riders of all skill levels. With the addition of the Sagamore Unit’s adaptive trails, the diversity of the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails ensures everyone can find exciting rides that match their abilities and preferences. The trail system offers riders the opportunity to take in stunning natural landscapes as well. Riders and hikers are often treated to wildlife sightings in the area, from bald eagles to deer sharing in nature with visitors. No trip to Cuyuna is complete without a visit to Miner’s Mountain, located in the CCSRA Rally Center, which provides breathtaking views of the Cuyuna Lakes Area.

Paddling

Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from daily life or a weekend family expedition, the lakes and rivers in the Cuyuna lakes area cater to both beginners and experienced paddlers. This region offers a diverse range of paddling options for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing. The centerpiece for paddling in the Cuyuna lakes is the deep, turquoise blue lakes within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The former mine lakes are a pristine and peaceful paddling destination. The chain of lakes starting at the Pennington access point provides hours of bliss on the www.growcuyuna.org waters. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and relax. To help make the most of your paddling adventures, you can find maps showing parking, boat access points, carry-in access points, campsites, and scenic views at both The MN DNR offices in Ironton and The Cuyuna Lakes Chamber offices in Deerwood. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can rent equipment from Cuyuna Outfitters in Crosby. They offer rental for various outdoor equipment, and even provide the unique experience of a glass bottom kayak, which allows you to see beneath the crystal-clear lakes as you paddle.

CREDIisa501c3nonprofitEconomic andCommunityDevelopment Corporation,representingthe CuyunaRangeandislocatedinCrow WingCounty,MN.CREDIrepresents thecitizensandbusinessesofthe CuyunaRangeintheireffortsto strengthentheeconomy,enhance thequalityoflifebyrecruitingnew businesses,retainingandassisting existingbusinessesandpromoting anddevelopingaffordablehousing.

Diving

The CCSRA is also a renowned destination for divers, offering some of the best diving opportunities in the Midwest. The spring fed mine lakes have filled with crystal-clear water, creating a unique underwater landscape filled with submerged mine shafts, building foundations, roadbeds, forests, shear walls and have depths that reach up to 530 feet. The remnants from the mining era create a surreal underwater world, bringing divers back to the area again and again. The Minnesota School of Diving has established over 50 unique dive sites within the area, including the Jason Vorhees statue at the bottom of Louise Mine Lake, which has garnered national attention. Dive maps are available at the Minnesota School of Diving in Brainerd.