Big Spirit Lake Real EstateJust about everybody has heard of the Great Lakes ? but not everybody is familiar with Iowa?s very own Great Lakes. The largest of this collection of lakes which lies in the northern part of Iowa near the border with Minnesota is the intriguingly named Spirit Lake ? a remnant of the last ice age that left its mark on the area around 13,000 years ago.Traveling to Big Spirit Lake Spirit Lake can be easily reached from several small towns nearby, such as Orleans, Milford and Spencer which make excellent bases for exploring the area. Interstate 90 runs across the bottom of Minnesota and is about 15 miles away; while the closest large international airport is Minneapolis-St.Paul. The countryside around Spirit Lake can be explored on foot or by car. Two scenic routes circle much of the lake ? County roads 276 and 327 ? offering a relaxed and scenic way to see the lake and surrounding countryside. Location of Big Spirit Lake Facts and History of Big Spirit Lake Early French traders named the lake ? the largest in the state ? Lac d?Esprit after an Indian legend told of an evil spirit who lived in the lake. Local Indians knew the lake as Minnewaukon and legend has it that Dakotah Indians feared to venture out on the lake ? and in fact early settlers in the area never found any Indian canoes. The lake covers almost 6000 square acres but is extremely shallow ? its average depth is around 17 feet and at its deepest point only 24 feet. Spirit Lake offers visitors many recreational opportunities, including sailing, hiking, camping and bird watching. And this may be Iowa ? but Spirit Lake also boasts several good beaches. Tourism, Things to Do and Attractions on Big Spirit Lake Fishing is one of the biggest attractions at Spirit Lake - over 40 species can be found in the lake, and around a dozen of these can be easily caught from land or by boat. The Iowa state fish hatchery which is situated nearby ensures the lake is always fully stocked ? meaning a good catch for everyone. Fishing records for freshwater muskellunge and drum have been established at Spirit Lake. For those who can stand the cold ? ice fishing makes an interesting alternative to more conventional fishing, and is a popular pastime during colder months. True, the Iowa Great Lakes are perhaps a little bit off the beaten track. Some may point out that this relative isolation only adds to their appeal. And as a place to relax, catch a few fish or sightsee amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest, its well worth the effort. |
Contact Okoboji Real Estate for questions on residential real estate, community info, or any other questions. We offer real estate info in and around the Okoboji, Spirit Lake, and Iowa Great Lakes.
3plains LLC & Re/Max Results 2100 Ford Parkway #201 St. Paul, MN 55116 c/o Matt Barker A licensed real estate agent in MN. (612) 366-1527
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