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Paddling Cuyuna should be at the top of your summer to-do list.

True North Basecamp

Updated: Feb 2

40 ft of water clarity

Paddling in Cuyuna, Minnesota, is epic. Three decades ago, these mine pits were mines, but they are now lakes with crystal waters where you can have a lot of fun. It is an oasis of 25 miles with a natural shore.

There are fish, among other natural beauties. You will find a lot of routes for paddling.


Cuyuna is the Perfect Example of a Natural Transformation

Mining was still the principal activity if you had been at Cuyuna 50 years ago. The name Cuyuna comes from Cuyler Adams, who discovered iron and manganese in the area. Adam’s wife came up with the name Cuyuna. She combined her husband's first name and the name of their Saint Bernard dog, Una.


After the mines were abandoned, the excavations filled with water. In a few years, the surrounding area was again covered by woods. Twenty years later, there were few traces of the mines, and a natural landscape had developed.

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Cuyuna habitats created the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, which once housed the mines. It is a complete recreational area for outdoor activities. You can camp along the shores, hike in the forest, or spend days in the wild. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, Cuyuna is waiting for you.


The Appeal of Paddling in Cuyuna

Paddle North Paddle Boards

Paddling is particularly appealing in Cuyuna. The lake has pure crystal waters, and since the mines were abandoned, no other industry has disrupted the area. Mother Nature stood firm in reclaiming the former mines for herself.


You can see down in the water for almost 40 feet. This fantastic view will let you know the life underneath the surface. One of the best things about paddling is the sights of your surroundings.


Cuyuna offers a perfect view of walleyes, trout, bass, and crappies. If you are thinking of fishing, you are right; it is one of the things you can do at Cuyuna.

Another beautiful thing about the lake's clear waters is that they allow visitors to glimpse the old mines. The abandoned equipment is now an exciting landscape for stand-up paddleboarders and scuba divers who want to loplace'shis place's distant past.

A Natural Refuge Close to Home

The best of Cuyuna is that it is right in the middle of Minnesota. You can get there by driving by the Minnesota State HW 210. Brainerd is the closest city. It is also about two hours from Duluth, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

When paddling in a lake, the quiet makes you feel far away from a modern city. The lake's ideal location is two hours from many places in Minnesota and even the surrounding states.


Having this set of abandoned mines so close to home has been a blessing. Nature sent them as a reminder of its beauty and power. Regaining terrain from a former mine site took around 20 years. Now, the resemblance of the mines trembles and disappears, except when you look down in the right places. The remains of the former mining activity remain, and you can see them while you practice stand-up paddleboarding.

Spending Family Time in Cuyuna

Cuyuna's natural beauty is perfect for spending some family time. You can enjoy water activities and a camping weekend at True North Basecamp.


Cuyuna Outfitters offers paddle boards for rent. Paddle North gets all the photo credits in this piece.

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