Things To Do
in Big Lake
Big Lake is a small town located in Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including Big Lake and Mitchell Lake. The town offers a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere for its residents.
With its proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities and major highways, Big Lake provides a balance of nature and convenience to its residents.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Big Lake. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to Big Lake itself for some lakeside relaxation. Enjoy swimming or simply soaking up the sun.
Wrap up your day with a scenic sunset view by the lake. Capture the moment with some photos as the sky fills with colors.
Rent a bike and explore the many trails around Big Lake. Feel the rush of adventure as you navigate through wooded paths.
Stop for lunch at a local café, sampling the flavors of the area. After lunch, head out to try your hand at kayaking on the lake.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at a nearby brewery. Savor craft beers while mingling with locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings including lakes and parks.
- Strong community spirit and friendly residents.
- Access to various outdoor recreational activities year-round.
- Good school systems and educational opportunities.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Limited employment opportunities in specialized fields.
- Harsh winter weather can be challenging for some residents.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Dependence on personal transportation, as public transit may be scarce.
- Potential for slow internet speeds in rural areas.
Best Activities in Big Lake
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore picturesque trails offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding natural beauty, suitable for all skill levels.
Enjoy a peaceful day fishing in Big Lake, known for its variety of fish species including trout and bass.
Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle around Big Lake, experiencing the tranquility and wildlife up close.
Set up camp at the Big Lake Campground, which offers amenities and access to various outdoor activities within the area.
Ride along dedicated bike trails that wind through the forests and around the lake, providing a refreshing outdoor experience.
Take part in wildlife observation activities to spot local fauna like birds, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a family picnic at one of the lakeside parks, complete with picnic tables and beautiful views of the water.
Tours
Uncover the best of Big Lake with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Big Lake
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque park that offers stunning views of Big Lake and surrounding landscapes, perfect for photography during sunrise and sunset.
A scenic trail that runs alongside Big Lake, providing a variety of vantage points for capturing beautiful lake and nature shots.
A popular spot for anglers that also offers breathtaking views of the water and is great for sunset photography.
An elevated viewpoint that gives panoramic views of the lake and mountains in the background, ideal for wide-angle photography.
Features open spaces and trees, this park is a great place for family photos with a backdrop of the lake and nature.
A peaceful site with scenic views of both Big Lake and Wheeler Lake, perfect for capturing nature and wildlife.
The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails with breathtaking views of Big Lake and surrounding areas, ideal for nature photography.
Food in Big Lake
Big Lake Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savor the unique flavor of a juicy Bison Burger, a local specialty that can be enjoyed at The Local Grill, known for its perfectly cooked bison patties.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the fresh flavors of a Walleye Sandwich, a popular local dish available at Lakeside Bistro, where the walleye is sourced locally from the nearby freshwater lakes.
Experience a true taste of the region with Wild Rice Hotdish, a comforting casserole found at Grandma's Kitchen, made with locally harvested wild rice.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Big Lake better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the vibrant Big Lake Farmers Market to sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products, as well as to enjoy street food offerings like gourmet tacos, wood-fired pizza, and homemade ice cream.
Don't miss the annual Riverside Food Truck Festival, where a wide array of food trucks gather to offer an assortment of cuisines, including BBQ, Asian fusion, and vegan fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents of Big Lake value friendliness and politeness. Always greet people with a smile, say 'hello' to neighbors, and use 'please' and 'thank you' in conversations.
Americans generally appreciate personal space. When conversing, maintain a comfortable distance and be mindful of body language to ensure the other person feels at ease.
Engaging in local events and gatherings is important in Big Lake. This shows respect for the community and offers a great opportunity to meet residents and understand local customs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Big Lake with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Big Lake
Ensure a smooth experience
In Big Lake, Minnesota, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is a customary practice in various service industries. It is common to tip restaurant servers between 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service received. Other service providers such as taxis, hairdressers, and bartenders are also typically tipped, often around 10-20%. The act of tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for service and can vary based on personal discretion and service quality.
Payment methods in Big Lake are consistent with national practices in the U.S. Cash is still accepted, but credit and debit cards are the most popular forms of payment due to their convenience. Many businesses also accept mobile payments and digital wallets. Local establishments may have different practices, and it's common for customers to have options including cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless payments when making purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Big Lake.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Big Lake typically sees mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from the upper 40s to the low 60s Fahrenheit. This season is known for blooming flowers and the return of outdoor activities. Expect occasional rain and the snow to melt, creating scenic views.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Big Lake, featuring warm temperatures averaging in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The lakes are perfect for cooling off, and local events and festivals often take place during this time.
Fall showcases vibrant autumn foliage and cooler temperatures, with averages in the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit. It's a great time for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty of the changing leaves. Harvest festivals and outdoor activities like apple picking are also popular during this season.
Winter in Big Lake brings cold temperatures often dropping below freezing, usually between the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit. Snow covers the landscape, offering opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling. The winter months are quieter as the area transforms into a winter wonderland.
Big Lake at Night
Hiking in Big Lake
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that offers views of Big Lake and surrounding mountains. Suitable for all skill levels.
A moderate hike leading to Pine Lake, surrounded by dense forests and wildlife.
An adventurous trail that provides breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and expansive landscapes.
A popular area for hiking that can accommodate different skill levels, featuring beautiful alpine scenery.
A designated national park with numerous trails, offering a mix of challenging and easier hikes, and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Big Lake through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Big Lake by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in the state of Minnesota, located approximately 45 miles southeast of Big Lake.
A regional airport located about 25 miles south of Big Lake, serving primarily domestic flights.
Located around 35 miles north of Big Lake, this airport offers limited commercial services and is primarily used for general aviation.
Situated approximately 85 miles east of Big Lake, this airport serves the Eau Claire area and provides some commercial airline services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority percentage of the population, often including various ancestry groups.
A significant minority group, representing the African American community.
A diverse demographic group that encompasses individuals of various backgrounds from Latin American countries.
Represents individuals of Asian descent, including East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian.
Includes individuals who identify as Indigenous peoples of North America.
Individuals who identify with more than one racial group.
A catch-all category for individuals who do not fit into the dominant racial or ethnic groups listed.
The Soul of Big Lake
Discover the essence of Big Lake through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end, commonly played at the high school and community levels.
An indoor team sport where players aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A bat-and-ball game played between two teams, with a strong following in the spring and summer months.
A fast-paced team sport played on ice, where players skate and use sticks to hit a puck into the opponent's net.
A popular sport where two teams aim to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net, commonly played in youth leagues.
A long-distance running sport that takes place over natural terrain, with events typically organized at high schools and colleges.
A collection of athletic contests based on running, jumping, and throwing, often held during the spring season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Big Lake.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Visitors with a vegetarian diet will find plenty of options at local eateries, with many restaurants offering flavorful plant-based dishes and creative meat-free alternatives.
Vegans can explore a variety of dedicated vegan-friendly establishments and menus, such as GreenLeaf Restaurant, renowned for its diverse and satisfying vegan options.
For those seeking gluten-free options, several restaurants in Big Lake provide gluten-sensitive menus and are attentive to accommodating dietary needs, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Big Lake with these cultural adventures.
