Osakis, Minnesota

And with plenty of room and quiet to truly relax and enjoy nature in a fun and unpretentious adventure. If you have never been to the Midwest, then Minnesota will have some wonderful surprises for you.

Even when they say drought, it is still beautiful, lush, and green. The rolling hills, artistic oak and birch trees, golden meadows, purple clover fields, and rustle of corn stalks takes one away to an easier and less complicated time.

The 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' has more shoreline than California, so water sports abound in this fisherman's heaven. Lake Osakis, pronounced Oh-say-kiss, is located about 115 miles northwest of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Airport, off Interstate 94. If you are looking on a map of Minnesota, it is the lake between Sauk Centre and Alexandria.

Osakis is our Number Three Choice for hot Summer Vacations

This location is chosen for great family vacation get-aways, or a week with the boys, or the girls. It is also a popular destination for family reunions. Osakis offers a diverse range of family oriented activities, so everyone can find something they love to do--together. If you are planning a week with the boys--this is a great location for golfing at the Osakis Countryclub, hunting, fishing trips--all year long, and snowmobiling. And, a week with the girls can entail fishing, sunbathing, antiquing, and walking the trails in the fresh country air. There are plenty of resorts, a couple of hotels, and public boat ramps, parks and picnic areas for family gatherings. See the perfect week in Osakis for details.

Lake Osakis Geography

The lake itself has three parts; the small part of Lake Osakis, Big Lake Osakis and an elbow called Little Lake Osakis. The little part is at the northwest end of the lake, connected to the small Lake Osakis. The lake itself is beautiful and moody. In one day it can be serene, placid, and peaceful, to turbulent, forceful, and aggressive--taking its shoreline back. The lake gets as deep as 73 feet, and the big part of Lake Osakis is fairly vast, about three and a half miles wide. It also is more turbulent on the big part of the lake due to not as much protection from the wind.

View of Big Lake Osakis

The narrow part, or smaller part of Lake Osakis

Little Lake Osakis Across from Head of the Lakes Resort

The drive around Lake Osakis is 22 miles and well worth your time, it is filled with wildlife, fields, resorts, charming log cabins, beautiful lake cabins, and stunning views of the lake.

Wildlife Drives

Osakis has a charming countryside and quaint little town. About an hour before dusk each night is a wonderful time to take a ride on the little side roads around the area for they are teeming with wild life. You never know what you will find; deer, jack rabbits, wild turkeys, various cranes, pelicans, and all sorts of interesting details in people's yards. Check out the slide show for an idea of some of the gorgeous scenery.

Sunsets

Another important thing to do is nothing...just be. One of the best times to 'just be' is at sundown. Go out on the dock, get cozy, and marvel at some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see. You never know what color Mother Nature will treat you to. It could be red one night, Serengetti African orange the next night, pale blues and greens the next evening, or even pinks. Grab your family, and/or friends to share this awe-inspiring time together. The photographs below have not been enhanced, they came straight out of the camera like this. The color is accurate in portraying the beautiful Osakis evenings.

From Funky to Junky

If you enjoy shopping there are many fun places to indulge the consumate shopper. From funky junk (Trixie's at 235 Central Ave. East) to antiques; all ages will have fun exploring the stores in and around Osakis. For more on this check out the 'Top 20 Short List' of things to do in Osakis.

Ice and Liquid

Fishermen enjoy the lake summer and winter. Yes, you read that correctly. People do fish in little houses on the lake in the winter. Or, if you do it like we did as kids, you take an old yellow and white rambler with a rusthole in the floor. We would find an abandoned fishing hole, park over it and pull the floor mat aside. The lake has huge walleye,

northerns, crappie (pronounced craw-pee), bullheads, sunfish, perch, dogfish, pumpkinseed, and bluegills.

Pumpkinseed Fish related to Sunfish

Smell the Roses

Osakis is a place you definitely want to share with the important people in your life. It takes away the noise of everyday life, allowing you to get back to basics, enjoy the simple life, stop to savor the beauty of the lovely flower gardens, parks, churches, and little treasures you never thought you'd find. When you leave, you want to go back and do it all over again. Don't forget to book your standing appointment with your favorite resort for next year to start a new family tradition.

Getting There Today's Weather

Osakis, MN
Updated Monday, November 23, 2009 11:28 AM

Fog 46°F High: 51°F
Low: 37°F
Wind: 13 mph
Humidity: 93%

Tuesday
43° / 32°
Wednesday
36° / 29°
Thursday
33° / 23°
Friday
35° / 24°

MSN Weather Data provided by WDT

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