FAQs

The Whitefish Chain of Lakes is in north-central Minnesota, centered around the town of Crosslake in Crow Wing County (within the greater Brainerd Lakes Area).

Depending on who you ask, the answer can get a little “lake-y!” Sources tend to vary based on how you define each body of water. For instance, is Whitefish Lake one giant lake, or should we count it as Upper and Lower Whitefish? Is Loon Lake its own thing, or just a quiet corner of Island Lake? And don’t even get us started on Hen Lake—is it a standalone lake or just a scenic extension of Rush?

You can see how the math gets tricky! The “official” count really depends on your perspective and how you read the map. With all that in mind, here is our take on how it all breaks down:

1. Arrowhead Lake
2. Bertha Lake
3. Big Trout Lake
4. Clamshell Lake
5. Cross Lake
6. Daggett Lake
7. Island Lake
8. Little Pine Lake
9. Loon Lake
10. Lower Hay Lake
11. Pig Lake
12. Rush-Hen Lake
13. Upper Whitefish Lake
14. Lower Whitefish Lake

And last, but definitely not least, we have the big one: Whitefish Lake. The Ojibwa originally called it Kadikumagokag, which translates to “Lake Where There Are Many Whitefish.” We like to count Upper and Lower Whitefish as two distinct lakes to round out the list.

So, there you have it—14 interconnected lakes that come together to form the stunning Whitefish Chain!

The Whitefish Chain of Lakes has a total shoreline length of 115 miles.

The Whitefish Chain of Lakes covers a surface area of over 14K+ acres.

The largest lake on the Whitefish Chain is Whitefish Lake.

Yes, the Pine River is the primary river that flows through the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

It enters the chain on the western side through Upper Whitefish Lake and exits at the Crosslake Dam on the eastern end of the chain. From there, the Pine River continues its journey until it eventually joins the Mississippi River.

The flow of the Pine River is what originally necessitated the construction of the dam in Crosslake, which helped regulate water levels and created the interconnected chain of 14 lakes that we enjoy today!

Whitefish Chain vs. Gull Chain vs. Woman Lake Chain

If you are planning a trip to the Lakes Area, these three chains are often at the top of the list. While they all offer that classic Minnesota “Up North” experience, each has a distinct personality. Here is how they compare:

1. Whitefish Chain (Crosslake Area)

The Vibe: The perfect balance of high-energy boating and scenic northwoods charm. It feels like a true “destination” where you can spend an entire week exploring different bays and never see the same thing twice.

• Boating: Exceptional. With 14 interconnected lakes, it’s a cruiser’s paradise. You’ll find everything from wide-open water to narrow, winding channels.
• Amenities: Very strong. Crosslake serves as a fantastic hub with great lakeside dining, unique shopping, and plenty of rental options.
• Best For: Families and groups who want a mix of adventure, social boating, and local flavor without the “mega-resort” feel.

2. Gull Chain (Brainerd/Nisswa Area)

The Vibe: The “Big Stage” of Minnesota lake life. This is the heart of the Brainerd Lakes tourism engine, featuring world-class resorts, famous golf courses, and a very high-energy summer scene.

• Boating: Very active. Gull is known for its large surface area and popular sandbars. It can get quite busy on weekends, making it great for people-watching but less ideal for those seeking solitude.
• Amenities: Unbeatable. If you want fine dining, massive waterparks, and professional-grade golf just minutes from the dock, this is the place.
• Best For: Travelers who want maximum amenities, luxury resort experiences, and a lively, fast-paced vacation.

3. Woman Lake Chain (Hackensack Area)

The Vibe: Quiet, classic, and intentionally low-key. As you move further north to the Woman Lake Chain, the pace slows down significantly. It’s where you go to truly “unplug.”

• Boating: Relaxed. While the lakes are beautiful and connected, you won’t find the heavy traffic or the “scene” present on Whitefish or Gull. It’s more about the call of the loon than the roar of a jet ski.
• Amenities: Modest. You’ll find cozy local spots and essential services in Hackensack, but it lacks the dense concentration of restaurants and shops found in the other two areas.
• Best For: Anglers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat where the primary goal is relaxation and a good book by the water.

The Bottom Line:

• Choose the Whitefish Chain for the best all-around “lake-hopping” adventure and local community feel.
• Choose the Gull Chain if you want the premier resort experience and high-energy action.
• Choose the Woman Lake Chain if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet, traditional northwoods getaway.

If you want to move from “tourist” to “insider,” here are ten high-level recommendations and lessons learned from years of navigating the Whitefish Chain:

1. Master the “Chain Logic”: The Chain is big, and travel time by boat adds up. Don’t try to see all 14 lakes in one afternoon. Pick a “region” for the day (like the Lower Whitefish/Manhattan area or the Crosslake/Rush Lake side) so you spend more time swimming and less time just driving the boat.
2. Respect the Channels: The channels connecting the lakes are “No Wake” zones for a reason. They can be narrow and shallow. Take it slow, enjoy the view of the shoreline cabins, and keep a sharp eye out for oncoming traffic—it’s the best place to practice your “lake wave.”
3. Book Your Boat Early: If you aren’t bringing your own, boat rentals (especially pontoons) sell out weeks or even months in advance for holiday weekends. Don’t wait until you arrive in Crosslake to find a rental, or you might be stuck on the dock!
4. The Sandbar is the Social Hub: If you’re looking for the “scene,” head to the Big Island sandbar on Whitefish Lake. It’s the place to anchor, meet people, and enjoy the water. If you want peace and quiet, avoid the sandbar on Saturday afternoons and head for the smaller bays on lakes like Hen or Arrowhead.
5. Dining “Dock-to-Table”: One of the best parts of the Chain is boat-up dining. Places like Moonlite Bay and Zorbaz have docks, but they fill up fast during peak lunch and dinner hours. Aim for an “early bird” meal (like 4:30 PM) to snag a slip without the stress.
6. Watch the Wind on Big Whitefish: Upper and Lower Whitefish are massive. If the wind picks up from the Northwest, the “chop” can get serious and uncomfortable for smaller boats or pontoons. Always check the weather before crossing the big water.
7. Don’t Sleep on the Small Towns: Crosslake is the hub, but Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, and Crosby are just a short drive away. Each has its own vibe, unique boutiques, and great coffee shops. A “land day” is a great way to recharge if you’ve had too much sun.
8. Pack for “Four Seasons”: Even in July, a morning boat ride can be chilly, and a late-afternoon thunderstorm can roll in fast. Always keep a sweatshirt and a light rain jacket tucked in a boat compartment.
9. Learn the History: Your trip will feel much more meaningful if you know the backstory. Visit the Crosslake Log Village or the Dam. Knowing that the “Chain” was created by the Army Corps of Engineers over a century ago changes how you look at the shoreline.
10. The “Golden Hour” is Mandatory: The sunsets on the Whitefish Chain (especially looking west across Lower Whitefish) are world-class. Plan your day so you are either on the water or at a lakeside table when the sun goes down. It’s the best free show in Minnesota.

Bonus Lesson Learned: Always keep a physical map or a downloaded offline map on your phone. Cell service can be spotty in the middle of the bigger lakes, and “which bay is this?” is a question you don’t want to be asking in the dark!

We’re your ultimate online home for discovering and planning the very best of the Whitefish Chain! By sharing our own favorite spots, insider insights, lessons learned, and top-tier recommendations, we’re here to hook you up with everything you need to make the most of your time on the water.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, we can help you build a customized plan to make sure you’re spending your time and resources in all the right places.

Ready to start planning? Drop us a line at info@whitefishchain.com to get the ball rolling—we’re here to help you make your Whitefish Chain experience truly unforgettable!

Our mission at WhitefishChain.com is to bridge the gap between our awesome local small business network and our growing community of lake lovers! We’re all about sparking real engagement, giving a loud shout-out to local nonprofit fundraising, and making sure our online audience has the best possible experience on the Chain. Basically, we’re here to help everyone win—from the shop owners to the sunset seekers!

The perfect WhitefishChain.com visitor? That’s anyone with a serious passion for the water—whether you’re a lifelong local, a weekend warrior, or a first-time explorer looking to make every single minute on the Chain count!

We built WhitefishChain.com for those who want to dive headfirst into the beauty of the lakes and soak up every second—because we all know that lake time is precious.

Our mission is to help you tackle the big questions: What’s the plan? Where are we heading? How do we pull it off? And most importantly, who’s coming along and when? We’re here to be your personal guide, helping you navigate every step toward an absolutely unforgettable experience on the water.

Ready to start planning? Drop us a line at info@whitefishchain.com and let’s create your perfect adventure!

So, who’s steering the boat at WhitefishChain.com?

The site was dreamed up and is owned by Kent Carlson, a guy who clearly has a thing for these lakes. But he’s not paddling solo! Kent is backed by a crew of tech-savvy, business-minded pros who handle everything from the “behind-the-scenes” website wizardry and social media vibes to the sharp copywriting and business development.

Our collective mission? To be your ultimate “if you know, you know” resource. We’re obsessed with tracking down and sharing the most helpful information available so you can spend less time prompting ChatGPT and more time actually enjoying the water. Think of us as your well-connected local friends who just happen to be very knowledgeable and passionate about the Whitefish Chain of Lakes!

Community Highlights: Meet Kent Carlson of WhitefishChain.com

WhitefishChain.com hit the water back in 2000—yep, we’ve been the OG planning resource since day one. Refreshed in 2021 and loaded with serious local street cred, we’re your insider pass to epic adventures on the Chain. We’ve ditched the guesswork so you can get straight to the good times.

Local intel. Epic days. Zero stress!

WhitefishChain.com is based right here on the Whitefish Chain… in cyberspace.

We’re a virtual-first guide, which is actually a big advantage: we can be “on the lake” 24/7, keep info updated fast, and share the best local tips, maps, and recommendations without you having to track down a brochure rack or make five phone calls.

Think of us as your digital dockhand + local concierge—always open, never closes for the season, and only a click away.