Gull Lake (Cass County, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gull Lake |
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Gull Lake sunset, July 2008
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 Gull Lake
Location in Minnesota
Gull Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cass / Crow Wing counties, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°26′47″N 94°21′04″W / 46.4463788°N 94.3509900°W |
| Primary outflows | Gull River |
| Catchment area | Crow Wing Watershed |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 15.3 mi (25 km) |
| Max. width | 3.3 mi (5 km) |
| Surface area | 9,947.03 acres (40.2542 km2) |
| Average depth | 30 ft (9 m) |
| Max. depth | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Water volume | 298,410 acre⋅ft (0.36808 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 38 mi (61 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,253 ft (382 m) |
| Settlements | East Gull Lake |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Gull Lake is a large lake in the state of Minnesota, United States. It is found in both Cass County and Crow Wing County. This lake is one of the biggest and most popular spots for vacations and fun activities in the Brainerd, Minnesota-Baxter, Minnesota area.
There are seven lakes named Gull Lake in Minnesota, but this one is the largest. Many homes, cabins, and businesses are built along its shores. For every mile of shoreline, there are almost 28 homes or cabins! You can also find 19 resorts on Gull Lake, like Cragun's, Madden's, and Grand View Lodge.
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History of Gull Lake
Gull Lake's water level was raised by about five feet when the Gull Lake Dam was built. This dam started working in 1912. Before that, logging companies would build temporary dams in the same spot. The Gull Lake Dam was the last of the dams built for the Mississippi Headwaters reservoir system.
Colonel Francis R. Shunk and George Freeman designed the Gull Lake Dam. They are also famous for designing Lock and Dam Number 1 on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
Ancient History and Burial Mounds
The area where the Gull Lake Dam was built is very important for history. Archaeologists have found at least 12 ancient burial mounds there. These mounds are believed to have been built by Native American tribes from the Woodland period. These tribes lived in the area a very long time ago, from 800 B.C. to A.D. 200, and then again from A.D. 600 to A.D. 900. These special burial mounds are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
The site of the St. Columba Mission on the east side of the lake is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Modern Day Fun at Gull Lake
Today, the Gull Lake area is a popular place with many things to do and places to stay. It's close to Nisswa, which is another popular vacation spot. Resorts like Grandview Lodge, Cragun's Resort, and Madden's Resort offer many golf courses and activities. Vacationers bring a lot of money to the local area, especially during the summer. The cabins along Gull Lake can be quite expensive.
The Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Gull Lake is famous for hosting the annual Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza. This is a huge ice fishing contest organized by the Jaycees Brainerd to raise money for charity. For this event, about 20,000 holes are drilled into the ice on Gull Lake!
Physical Features of Gull Lake
Gull Lake covers an area of about 9,947 acres (about 40 square kilometers). It is the largest lake within the city limits of East Gull Lake, Minnesota. The deepest part of the lake is about 80 feet (24 meters). However, almost 30% of the lake is shallow, only 15 feet (4.5 meters) deep or less. These shallow areas are mostly made of sand and gravel, but also have some rocks and boulders.
Gull Lake is about 15.3 miles (24.6 kilometers) long and 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers) wide. Its average depth is 30 feet (9 meters). Gull Lake is part of the Crow Wing watershed, which means all the water from this area flows into the Crow Wing River. The land around the lake is set aside for general development, allowing for homes and businesses.
Stony Brook stream flows into Gull Lake. The brown trout fish that live in Stony Brook have been affected by the many activities on Gull Lake. Local fishermen and scientists from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are working to restore the stream's natural home for these trout.
Wildlife in Gull Lake
Gull Lake is home to over 35 different kinds of aquatic life, which helps keep the fish population healthy. The bulrush plant, which grows out of the water, is very important. It provides a safe home for fish like bass and panfish.
Many people come to Gull Lake to fish for walleye, a popular fish that is regularly added to the lake. Since 2003, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has put at least 2,825,000 young walleye into Gull Lake. In 2007, the average walleye in Gull Lake was about 14.6 inches (37 cm) long and weighed about 1.3 pounds (0.6 kg). Another popular fish to catch is the Northern pike. On average, Northern Pike in Gull Lake are about 25.8 inches (65.5 cm) long and weigh about 4.0 pounds (1.8 kg).
The Gull Chain of Lakes
Gull Lake is the largest and most famous part of a group of connected lakes called the Gull Chain of Lakes. This chain includes eight connected lakes and two bays:
- Gull Lake
- Upper Gull Lake
- Nisswa Lake (sometimes considered part of the chain)
- Roy Lake
- Margaret Lake
- Spider Lake (sometimes considered part of the chain)
- Spring Lake
- Love Lake
- Round Lake
- Bass Lake
- Steamboat Bay
- Wilson's Bay
Together, these lakes cover about 13,000 acres (52.6 square kilometers). More than 2,500 homes are built along their shores. The chain stretches across both Cass County and Crow Wing County.
Other lakes are also connected to Gull Lake. Mayo and Sibley lakes connect through Mayo Creek. The Cullen lakes connect to Gull Lake through a creek that flows into Lake Nisswa. Long Lake connects to Round Lake through Sugar Bush Creek, and Round Lake is part of the Gull Chain. Lake Hubert connects to Lake Edward, which then flows into Lake Nisswa (part of the Gull Chain).
Name Changes for Safety
On August 6, 2007, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) decided to change the names of many places in Cass County that used a word considered offensive to Native Americans. For example:
- Squaw Point of Leech Lake became Oak Point.
- Squaw Lake became Little Woman Lake.
- Squaw Pond became Scout Camp Pond.
- Squaw Point of Gull Lake became Gull Point.
Interesting Spots on Gull Lake
Here are some popular and interesting places you can find on Gull Lake:
- Steam Boat Bay: This is where you'll find famous resorts like Maddens and Cragun's.
- Gull Point: A popular spot for boating because of a nearby sand bar where boats can gather.
- Wilson Bay
- Sandy Point
- Rocky Point
- Grassy Point
- Dutchman's Bluff
- Sheafer Point
- Holman's Point
- Government Point
- Floan's Point
- Hunter's Point: Known for its very shallow straight, which can be tricky for boats.
Towns Near Gull Lake
Several towns are located close to Gull Lake:
- East Gull Lake, Minnesota
- Nisswa, Minnesota
- Brainerd, Minnesota
- Lake Shore, Minnesota
- Baxter, Minnesota
