NORWAY BEACH PICNIC SHELTER

Overview Norway Beach Picnic Shelter is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area on the southern shores of beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. The shelter and adjacent beach are a wonderful setting for family reunions, company picnics or weddings. Recreation Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming.

Anglers fish for walleye, Northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is nearby. Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest.

Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo. Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail. The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby.

This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees. Programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibway heritage and the area's flora and fauna. Special annual events are held at the center, including a Kids Fishing Day in June, Bald Eagle Day in July and Smokey Bear's Birthday Party in August.

Interpretive programs are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Facilities The large log shelter can accommodate up to 100 people and is equipped with electric outlets, picnic tables and a grill. Flush toilets, outdoor showers and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features The shelter is situated on the banks of Cass Lake, at the edge of a forest of red and white pines. A beautiful white sand beach lies in front of the shelter. Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes.

The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.