Bundle Up for Winter Fun!

By Missy Hermes, Photos by Erik Osberg

Ice fishing lovers will find that this community is surrounded by unlimited choices for drilling a hole and dropping a line. Each February, the Battle Lake Area Sporting Club holds their annual Fishing Derby on West Battle Lake. Local businesses sponsor prizes for largest fish in five categories: walleye, northern, crappie, sunny and bass. Portables and fish houses are allowed during the event. Tickets cost just $10 and registration takes place at the public access. This year the event takes place on February 18, 2023.

The organization also sponsors an ice fishing fun day for kids in March with lots of fun and prizes. Organizers have fishing rods for children and food available that day. The event is a great way to introduce youth to the sport of ice fishing.

Glendalough State Park offers ice fishing opportunities and much more. The park has 8 miles of groomed trails for cross country skiers. Scenic Prairie Hill Trail offers slopes for sledding, and snowshoe lovers can go anywhere in the park except the groomed trails. Snowshoe rental costs just $6 per day.

Warm up afterwards in Glendalough Lodge, constructed as a hunting retreat back in 1905. The lodge is available for day-rental all year round. Want to combine winter recreation with camping? Camper cabins and yurts are available winter weekends between November 1 and March 31. Facilities can be reserved by calling the park at 218-261-6900.

Is it possible to bring the snow inside for family fun? Absolutely! Art of the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake offers winter art classes with local artist Kristi Kuder. Kids ages 8 and up and adults can learn the technique of snow dyeing, creating wearable art mandala scarves and bandanas.

Inside or out, Battle Lake has options for making the most of winter in Lakes Country.