AREA ATTRACTIONS Outdoor Recreation

Dive Cuyuna

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is home to some of the best diving in the Midwest. Located near Crosby and Ironton, the beautiful park features crystalclear water filled mines with submerged mine shafts, building foundations, vehicles, roadbeds, forests, shear walls, and depths of up to 530 feet. The mines have been stocked with trout, bass, and northern pike. Loons frequently swim by, and there is visibility ranging from 30 to 60 feet. The Minnesota School of Diving has created over 50 unique dive sites in the area that are appropriate for all levels of experience. Group fun dives are held in the area up to three times a week in the summer. Dive masters are also available to lead people on individual dives. While you’re down there, stop to visit Jason Vorhees, who happens to “haunt” the Louise Mine Lake for the last ten years thanks to Doug Klein, a local scuba diver who placed him there in 2013. Visit mndiving.com for details. Dive maps of the area are available at The Minnesota School of Diving in Brainerd. Call 218829-5953 or send a message to brdinfor@ mndiving.com.

KAYAK, CANOE, SNORKEL AND PADDLEBOARD

Whether it’s just a day away from the kids or a weekend family expedition, paddling excursions are always a great break. The lakes and rivers of the Cuyuna Range offer a wide variety for both the beginner and the experienced kayaker, canoeist and paddleboarder. The scenic Mississippi and Pine Rivers offer opportunities to paddle for just a few hours or a few days. The premier paddling experience is on the deep, turquoise blue lakes of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. A chain of mine lakes, starting at the Pennington access, provides hours of bliss in pristine, peaceful surroundings. Deer, bald eagles, and osprey are often spotted. Loons may surface nearby. Beach areas provide a place to stretch or enjoy a picnic. Maps showing parking, boat, and carry-in access points, campsites and scenic views are available at trailheads and the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber office in Deerwood. Don’t have a paddle board or kayak to enjoy one of the area lakes, stop by Cuyuna Outfitters in Crosby. They offer rentals on outdoor equipment for adventures of all sizes! They even offer a glass bottom kayak option, which offers a unique experience as you glide across the crystal clear mine lakes.

JACK’S 18 AT RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE RESORT

Jack’s 18 is one of the most scenic northern Minnesota golf courses in the area winding through forests of maple, oak, birch, aspen, and the majestic Norway pines. The par 72 rolls gently alongside the placid waters of natural lakes Goose and Bass. Quite simply a must-play Brainerd lakes area golf course. Located adjacent to Jack’s 18 is Alec’s 9, the original course at Ruttger’s. Holding the distinction of being the first resort course in Minnesota, this par 33 has undergone a redesign and is slated to re-open in the summer of 2023.

Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Located just outside of Deerwood on Hwy 210, this composite course carved out of the Northern Minnesota woods, requires an accurate driver, skill in handling the uneven uphill, downhill, and side hill lies, and a first class game to master the challenging putting surfaces here at Cuyuna. Offering resort quality golf without the resort prices, Cuyuna Rolling Hills offers an outstanding golfing experience with affordable greens and cart fees. They are celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year!