Things to Do in Walker
Head north to the heart of Paul Bunyan country — past Brainerd and Hackensack — and you might find yourself on the shores of Minnesota's third-largest lake. Sitting right in the middle of the Chippewa National Forest, Leech Lake also happens to neighbor the small-but-mighty town of Walker. Here are some of our favorite things to see, eat and do there.
Food & Drink
The 502
For views of Leech Lake, dine at The 502 Restaurant, located at Chase on the Lake Resort & Spa. There are several ways to enjoy walleye on the menu, including cakes, fish and chips, tacos, house-breaded or pan-fried, and even a house-made mac and cheese or Caesar salad.
Benson’s Eating and Drinking Emporium
Serving the Walker area since 1989, Benson’s Eating and Drinking Emporium has pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more.
Green Scene Market, Eatery & Cocktail Bar
Right behind The Piggy BBQ restaurant is the cute-as-a-button Green Scene Market, Eatery & Cocktail Bar, a perfect stop for a taste of Minnesota farmers, distilleries, breweries, and creators. The menu consists of fire-roasted pizzas, sandwiches, salads, soups, craft cocktails, and more.
Iron Fire Bar & Grille
Located at Andersons Horseshoe Bay Lodge, the Iron Fire Bar & Grille is on the water and serves up wings, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more.
The Piggy BBQ
Run by a local husband-and-wife team (Steve and Kathy Blake), The Piggy BBQ offers fresh fare that’s smoked each day. When it’s sold out, it’s sold out, so get there early. The beef brisket, cold-smoked turkey and ribs are the perfect end to a long day of biking, and the cornbread and real draft root beer with pure cane sugar will boost those energy levels back up.
In fact, their BBQ is so good The New York Times featured it. Writer Robert Lillegard was particularly fond of their cornbread, calling it "rich and moist, like a cross between Bundt cake and bread pudding. Studded with sweet kernels of corn and deeply buttery, it’s better than corn bread has any right to be."
Portage Brewing Company
Portage Brewing Company is a brewery focused on native wild yeast cultivation and brewing. They specialize in hybrid ale styles to welcome a wide variety of tastes. Located in the Chippewa National Forest and off the shores of Leech Lake, this is one of the most Minnesotan breweries around.
Walker Bay Coffee
Fuel up for your day at Walker Bay Coffee Co, which serves specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and gourmet breakfast sandwiches on bagels, focaccia or sourdough bread. At lunch you can choose from paninis, salads, and soups.
Shopping
Christmas Point Wild Rice Company
This iconic shop sells women's clothing, home goods, specialty foods and gifts, and serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, soups and coffees.
Heritage
Located in downtown Walker, Heritage sells adult and children's clothing, jewelry, art kits, home goods, gifts, and more.
Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters
Get anything you need for the outdoors at Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters, which boasts the largest selection of hunting, fishing and outdoor sports gear in the area.
Sunbeam & Company
A local boutique offering high-quality and affordable children and women's clothing, games, books, and more. Follow them on social media to find their pop-ups throughout northern Minnesota in the summer months.
Walker General Store
The Walker General Store has all the Minnesota gear you need, including sweatshirts, T-shirts, mugs, hats and stickers. They also sell home goods, kids' toys, and specialty food products.
Zero Proof Bottle Shop
This new bottle shop offers non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits as well as mocktails and mixers.
Outdoor Activities
Fishing
Leech Lake's 112,835 acres of clear, resort-and-lodge-dotted water is a top destination for fishing in Minnesota. The best bites are from walleye and muskies, but it's also known for largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, perch, bluegills and eelpout. Fishing guides are available to take visitors out on the water.
Golf
Golfers can play a round at Long Bow Golf Club on the shores of Leech Lake or Moonlight Bay Golf Course, just five miles north of Walker. Tianna Country Club has welcomed golfers for more than 90 years and is a par 72 with gentle rolling hills. Long Bow Golf Club and Tianna Country Club offer full-service clubhouses with outdoor dining available.
Heartland State Trail
The Heartland State Trail — one of the first rail-to-trail projects in the country — runs right through Walker. It's a multi-use trail that runs 49 miles between Park Rapids and Cass Lake, passes the North Country National Scenic Trail, and links up with the Shingobe Connection Trail, which heads back into Walker for a 25-mile loop.
It's ideal for an afternoon ride, if you don't mind numerous curves and some stretches of steep hills. Also be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as this loop doesn't go through any towns once you start out.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Located near Walker, a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail is connected to the Heartland State Trail. At 4,600 miles, it's the longest footpath in the nation. It runs through seven states, and its most well-known stretch is the Appalachian. While this is Minnesota's only National Scenic Trail, many folks still aren't familiar with it.
Paul Bunyan State Trail
The Paul Bunyan State Trail passes through Walker and is one of the longest rail-to-trail conversions in the country. Stretching for 119 miles, it's primed for hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. The multi-use trail is fully paved and is mainly used for non-motorized use. In the winter, snowmobiles are permitted.
Snowmobiling
Hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails wind through the Walker area. Some of the most popular trails are the aforementioned Heartland State Trail and Paul Bunyan State Trail.
Festivals & Events
Every Independence Day, Walker’s 4th of July celebration can’t be missed. Enjoy the small-town parade and nighttime fireworks. At the popular Chase on the Lake resort, the Walker Art by the Lake event features more than 30 local artists selling their wares.
Places to Stay
Top resorts and hotels in the Walker area include:
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