With 11,842 lakes in Minnesota, how do you decide which one to explore? I’m extremely grateful for my friends, Craig and Cindy, as I didn’t have to make that tough decision. They recently invited me to join them at their cabin during their annual family getaway on Lake Osakis – a place they’ve returned to every year for the past two decades. This hidden gem is one of Minnesota’s top lakes to get away from it all.
And I can see why they return to Lake Osakis, Minnesota every year. It’s not crowded, it’s quiet, relaxing, and offers a lot of fun recreational activities. One of Minnesota’s top hidden gems of a lake, Lake Osakis, is also conveniently located a relatively short drive northeast of the Twin Cities (a little over two hours).
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I only stayed overnight, but absolutely fell in love with the charming small town and the beautiful Lake Osakis.
Kayaking on Lake Osakis, Minnesota
Where is Lake Osakis?
Located nine miles east of Alexandria, small-town Osakis has a population of 1,740, which does not include visitors who come to fish, boat, paddleboard, kayak and jet ski on the 6,269-acre Lake Osakis.
Things to do in Lake Osakis
I believe 99% of all Minnesota cabins include at least one Moose motif.
Downtown Osakis, Minnesota
Jacobs Lefse Bakeri & Gifts | Osakis, Minn.
Absolutely loved this charming bakery and gift shop in small-town Osakis, where their specialty is lefse – a Norwegian potato bread with cinnamon and sugar.
When I heard their lefse was the best in the state, I had to check it out. It’s quite possibly the best lefse in the world. Check out my recent blog post on the top 9 places to get your sugar fix in Minnesota.
The bakery also features a cute gift shop where they sell lefse to make at home, Nordic sweets, jewelry, handbags, crafts and more.
Tip Top Dairy Bar
For more than 60 years, the iconic Tip Top Dairy Bar has served the lakes region in Osakis. They must be doing something right.
It’s been voted the best ice cream of Minnesota so I had to check it out, of course. Such a quaint place where tourists and locals alike go not only for the desserts, but also for a meal (I had a vanilla shake and chili cheese dog – something I haven’t indulged in for years…very tasty!). And friendly and fast service!
Top things to do in Osakis, Minnesota: Bike and hiking trails
In downtown Osakis, near the lake, you can find the Central Lakes State Trail, a former Burlington Northern Railroad line. It’s 55 miles and runs through 3 counties and 10 communities. And if you’re a Garrison Keillor fan, you can bike or hike the 65-mile Lake Wobegon Regional Trail. It’s also open for snowmobiles in the winter.
Top things to do in Osakis, Minnesota: Panther Distillery
Big Ole, Alexander, Minnesota – a short road trip from Lake Osakis
My visit to Osakis was much too short so am looking forward to returning soon. If you plan to stay at one of the Lake Osakis resorts (or anywhere in Minnesota), make your reservations early. Sometimes they book a year in advance.
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Related post: Top things to do in Minnesota
I love posts like these! Spending time in your own backyard is the best. Thank you for sharing with us local secrets! Hopefully, we will get to put them to good use soon!
You’re very welcome…and thank you! Hope you get the opportunity soon!
Some of the best places turn out to be right in your own backyard. Great post!
Thank you! And I agree…it’s fun exploring Minnesota this summer.
The land of the beautiful lakes! Looks fun!
It was a lot of fun and very beautiful.
I love lake life! I had no idea there are freshwater pelicans??
I was a little surprised also and learned that the Lake Osakis area is the home of many water birds including the American White Pelican. It was so cool to watch them.
I love small midwestern towns and your pictures are awesome.
Thank you! I was born in a small midwestern town (Iowa) so it felt a little like home.
Wow, great pics! I did my post this week on my own stay-cation! It’s amazing how fun it is to explore our own backyards!
I enjoyed reading about your staycation…it is cool to discover new adventures in your own backyard.
All good, but Pather Distillery is at the top of the list!…. James
I didn’t have an opportunity to stop in…have you been there?
This looks beautiful. I am enjoying all your posts about Minnesota.
Thank you so much…greatly appreciate it!
What a beautiful lake! It looks like you made a great choice. And someday I want to try lefse!
Let me know when you do!
That looks like so much fun.
This looks like a beautiful destination. I love that your friends made the suggestion and you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thanks…yes, I’m so grateful for their generous offer to stay with them.
Lots to do in the area you are in. I’ve been to Minnesota but never to the area you speak about. It’s a beautiful state.
Thank you! I’m discovering a lot of new experiences as I explore Minnesota this summer.
Thank you! It’s fun exploring all of Minnesota’s beauty.
You took some beautiful photographs. The lake looks very inviting and peaceful.
Thank you! It was very peaceful.
Good to know! There’s so many amazing places in Minnesota we have yet to visit, and we’ve been here a few years. This place looks great and private.
It was very nice…very low-key. I’ve lived in Minnesota for nearly 26 years and so much I haven’t explored…yet.
With that many lakes, it would be hard to choose where to start. Thank you for the hiking trails.
Full disclosure: I actually live in a city with four of the 11,842 lakes…and only been to one. But it’s a really big one.
I love small towns! The photos are great. I just saw freshwater pelicans in New England. I was surprised. Looks like a wonderful time!
Thanks! Those pelicans are so cool!
The area looks really pretty. If my husband and I ever head towards that way we’ll have to stop here!
So many beautiful lake communities in Minnesota.
Great photos. It’s good to get out of the house and enjoy nature.
Thank you! Minnesota summers are too short so love to be outside as much as I can.
I retweeted and pinned as well – a terrific look at a cool community – thanks for sharing all of the food as well!
Thanks so much…it’s a pretty low-key place, which is my kind of pace.
I’ve never led considered visiting Minnesota before but I may need to now!
I’m having a good time discovering Minnesota myself – and I’ve lived here for 26 years!