Although most of Minnesota's famed "10,000 lakes" are in the northern half of the state, southern Minnesota has fishing opportunities as well, both on the more sparse southern lakes and on the Mississippi River. Anglers who are traveling through southern Minnesota, or who are simply looking for a change from the Northwoods, have access to a variety of fishing resorts.
Camp Lacupolis is a "little village" of log cabins on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River. Facilities include kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning in the cabins, and bait, fishing cleaning and a boat launch for anglers. Guests can also bring their own campers instead of renting a cabin.
Camp Lacupolis
71000 Highway 61
Lake City, MN 55041
(651) 565-4318
Winter (507) 324-5216
camplacupolis.com
At the edge of the Boundary Waters, in Ely, Minnesota, Smitty's on Snowbank offers cabins, suites and motel rooms year-round. Boats and canoes are available for rent, as well as ice houses and snowshoes for winter ice fishing.
Smitty’s On Snowbank
14564 Snow Lodge Road
Ely, MN 55731
(218) 365-6032
smittys-on-snowbank.com
Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, in Faribault, Minnesota, the Shady Acres Resort and Campground offers eight docks for fishing in addition to boat rental. Eight furnished cabins provide guests with all basic needs except for towels and soap, and RV hookups are available. Recreational opportunities include pinball machines, darts, volleyball and an outdoor playground built in 2009.
Shady Acres Resort
17759 West 177th Street
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 334-6661
winjumsshadyacres.com
Just 25 miles from Mankato, near Sakatah State Park, the family-owned Sakatah Bay Resort offers eight lodging units and is open year-round. The resort also rents fishing boats and pontoons, and fishing guide services are available. Lake Sakatah's stock includes largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye.
Sakatah Bay Resort
815 E. Paquin Street
Waterville, MN 56096
(507) 362-8980
sakatahbay.com
