July 2004

Floating Holidays!

by Martina Priadka

North Shore, Lake Superior Photograph by Dave Hansen, Minnesota Extension Service

Summer for me in Minnesota means that travel is as easy as a walk to the lakes, and no matter where you live it is possible to do just that. Minnesota has more shoreline than Hawaii, California and Florida put together! I know that is really hard to believe when you think of the luxury oceanfront beaches of those fine states but it is true! Why not take advantage of all the fresh water we have right here while it is not frozen! Get out a map of Minnesota and you will be amazed that we are even able to find solid land with all the blue spots staring back at you marking all kinds of fun filled lake destinations.

Start by having a picnic at your closest lake. Spend a day at the beach in a more secluded spot and throw the ball around for a while. If swimming is something you really want to enjoy then you may need to get in a car or bus and pick a destination a little further from the cities. If fishing is more your style then you want to make sure you head to the more northern destinations where fish still have two eyes instead of three or four. Or maybe you want to rent a canoe and spend a day on the water (see theskini.com archives for information on canoe rental). One of the best ways to find perfect relaxation that combines all this and more though…rent a houseboat!

Now, I know some of you are thinking that sounds like a waterlogged mobile home but you could not be more wrong! Houseboats are not leaking, creaking little fishing boats. The houseboat of today is a modern yacht of your very own, to skipper through the waters of whatever lake you choose. There may be no better way to spend a summer weekend or holiday in Minnesota than on a houseboat. Leave the noise and heat of the city behind, get on a lake and relax under the stars listening to the sounds of our state bird, the Minnesota loon.

Houseboats have all of the conveniences of your home while offering a world of activities and sights you will never get to see from your own window. The beauty of the houseboat is that you are able to take it to land or water at whim. You can fish, swim or sunbathe from the convenience of your own deck and sleep in one of the most peaceful environments around. If you and your friends want to have an ongoing party without worrying about driving or time frames or bothering other people it is a perfect plan. If you are taking your family away for a vacation you have a safe environment where everyone in the family can find something to do to keep them interested. If not, you can just throw them in the lake!

There are so many options for houseboats. Just check with the Minnesota Tourism Board or take one of our tips from below.

A trip to Voyageurs National Park will find you close enough to the 60th largest lake in the world, Rainy Lake. Yes, the name does not instil hope for clear skies but this lake sees plenty of sunshine all summer long and without car access the number of visitors are limited. If you like to fish then you have found the spot. If you love to swim these waters will welcome you and refresh you. The houseboats on this lake even have waterslides! Maybe you just want to stretch out on the deck and request umbrella drinks from the bar below. I hope you bring a bartender with you for that one. Or why not go all out and employ a chef too! Prices vary by the time of year so make sure you book ahead.

Crane Lake offers another serene and pristine lake for houseboat rental. Located on the Northern border of Minnesota, this lake is also known for it’s fishing and swimming pleasures. They offer many different sized houseboats to accommodate any size group. All have stoves, barbeque grills, air conditioning and televisions. Some even come with hot tubs! What more could you ask for? Rental is cheaper in May and September but prices are still really reasonable during peak season. Call ahead and they will help you plan everything you need to hit the water in style. Go ahead and live the lifestyle of the rich and famous or just relax in the great Midwest because it is summer!

Rainy Lake Houseboats
2031 Town Road 488
International Falls, MN 56649
218.286.5391
800.554.9188
Fax: 218.286.4010
rlh@northwinds.net
(Phone Hours 8:00AM-7:00PM every day)

Crane Lake
7576 Gold Coast Rd
Crane Lake, MN 55725--8010
218.993-2266
Fax: 218.993.2268
218.993.2333
800.882.6287
info@voyagaire.com

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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