Need a Lake

[Huskerjetboat]

The first week of August we are going on a boat road trip from Omaha, NE to a friends Cabin near Minong, WI. we will boat on their lake from Friday to Wednesday and then head back towards Omaha. We need to be back in Omaha on Friday. So, what I need is lake suggestions on the way home for Wednesday night to Friday. Would like a good size lake preferably with sand beaches, and a place to stay on the water with slip rental. I know it may be hard to find availability, but would like to try. Was thinking in MN, ND, or SD. Anyone have any good suggestions for us? Thank you in advance!

 

[Trm1765]

St Croix or Mississippi rivers are both good. Quite a few places to put in. There is a nice state park south of Afton on the St Croix that is real nice. Lake Pepin on the Mississippi is awesome but can get a little choppy on windy days.

 

[Trm1765]

Dropped Pin

http://goo.gl/maps/uZmbl

Also several Sandy island areas around Hudson Wi are very nice and popular. (On the St Croix)

 

[Huskerjetboat]

I have never boated on a river before. Makes me nervous with sandbars, etc.

 

[RightStuff]

Lake Minnetonka would work and is kinda on the way. The only problem is there really isn't places on the lake to rent except VRBO-like places. You could do a hotel near the lake and launch each day pretty easily though.

Outside that, in MN your next option for something like that might be a camping spot that has docks to use.

 

[Trm1765]

Dropped Pin

http://goo.gl/maps/gavFh

I have never gone here myself but it is a popular place.

 

[craigm]

We just were on the river all day yesterday. Launched at Treasure Island casino. They have a nice marina, plenty of parking and of course a hotel with bowling and pool for kids. From there you can go north or south on the river.
The river is well marked and you will not have issues. If you go south you will hit lock and dam 3 right away. No worries fun experience however we waited last night to come back up about an hour while a barge went through. Pretty rare to have to wait.
All the towns along river have docking. Great to get out and walk around.
Great beaching and areas to play in water north of Prescott about 5 miles.

 

[Huskerjetboat]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. In checking around finding it hard to find rentals on a lake with short notice. Wanted to avoid having to put in and out.

 

[Trm1765]

We just were on the river all day yesterday. Launched at Treasure Island casino. They have a nice marina, plenty of parking and of course a hotel with bowling and pool for kids. From there you can go north or south on the river.
The river is well marked and you will not have issues. If you go south you will hit lock and dam 3 right away. No worries fun experience however we waited last night to come back up about an hour while a barge went through. Pretty rare to have to wait.
All the towns along river have docking. Great to get out and walk around.
Great beaching and areas to play in water north of Prescott about 5 miles.

I agree. These rivers are large rivers and no problem to navigate. There are quite a few wing dams upsteam from that lock but if you stay between the markers you are guaranteed at least 10 feet depth.
I was at Treasure Island last night also. Boated up there for supper and watched an awesome fireworks display. I was just a head of that barge.. Passed it in Red Wing. No wait at all coming back after the fireworks, drove right in.

 

[Trm1765]

And Treasure Island has a hotel and marina. You can beach the boat free on a nice Sandy beach or pay for a transient slip.