gull lake

This is a prime vacation/tourist area, about 15 minutes northwest of Brainerd, Mn. There are many ways to spent time and money in and around the lake. Some of Minnesotans most expensive resorts and finest golf courses are on the south side of the lake (ie Maddens & Craguns), or the North side (Grand View Lodge). There are many restaurants right on the lake. The lake itself can get very busy on summer weekends. Craguns is open throughout the year, not just during the summer and a winter vacation here is very distinctive (and can, if you like, involve going out onto the lake for various activities).WATCH OUT DRIVING - there have been some bad crashes on local roads with some people not paying attention as they look at the scenery or lose control as roads make major turns.This is not the quintessential quick, remote northern lake - it has a lot of commercial activity. But if the activities you are seeking are found it, this is a beautiful, if extremely busy (during the summer)

Nice lake but too bad about the zebra mussels. Hope they find a way to get rid of them. It was fun to see all the resorts & houses on the lake.

I should of known from the day we called for a Pontoon boat and wave runner for July 27that things were not going to go well with this place ..Melissa tried to talk us out of the wave runner saying the pontoon should be enough for our Family..earlier she said it would be a 1000.00 deposit and then change her mind and said 2000.00 Ok what ever ..then it was parking ..was told to bring one car not enough parking ..couldn't do that..called to let her know our car broke down and we were running late..got a call back asking if we were sure we wanted to go out because it was windy..are you kidding me ..we show up 15 min later to be told you can't go out and there is nothing Ican do ..we asked about our 2000.00 and were told call your bank ..like 2000.00 was not a lot of money to not get back ..we let her know that tomorrow was our last day and needed that money to do something else ..we only wait all week to do the boat ride to be told not our problem..I understand not being able to go out because of the weather but to get no sorry can we see how we can work this out would have been nice but noooo..it took me calling and leaving a message for her to even get the point that her customer service sucks and not give a crap about holding on 2000.00 dollars for 5 days after turning someone down does not bother this lady at all ..good luck to the next person who try's this place and gets turned down after putting that amount of money down for their family vacation ..would never recommend this place to my worst enemy ..

We have a family reunion every year on Gull lake and never miss an opportunity to take a pontoon ride on BIG, Gull lake. Lots to see and do on the lake form fishing, water-skiing you name it. We love to cruise along the lake shore an dream about which giant house we will retire in.It's a big lake it will take you a few hours to get around it for sure in a Pontoon, even a fast one!

I love Gull Lake. Go during the week to avoid crowds. The restaraunts on the lake are all worth stopping at. Stop by Lakes Fun Rental to rent a pontoon and spend a whole day of fun swimming in the bays, snacking, and enjoying the sun.

I don't think it's a very big view that you could hangout for a whole day, but if several lakes in a row would be better. But if you own a property beside the lake, that's another story

This is a great lake for boaters. Be sure to take a map because you could get lost. There are many bays off this lake. You can take channels that lead to other lakes. Lake gets very rough during storms and windy days. There are areas where you will find many boats anchored and people swimming.

My husband and I are 'camping' in Pequot Lakes for the remainder of the summer. Last Sunday afternoon was a picture perfect day for boating, so we called around and found a pontoon that was available at Boats and Beyond which is right on the lake. We have been in the Brainerd Lakes area several times and had driven by Gull Lake, but we had never been on it. The map indicated that it's only 15 square miles - rather small in comparison to Lake Mille Lacs which is 207 square miles and borders 3 MN counties, but it seemed huge! There were many other boats on the lake, but it wasn't crowded at all. We headed north and went through several channels to the other smaller lakes. We were able to get up close enough to the Loons for some really great pictures - I was surprised that they were not more afraid of the boats passing so close. While going though one of the channels, another boater alerted us to an Eagles nest in the top of a tall pine and my husband captured pictures with his high end camera of the mamma watching over the nest.

I was on this lake twice during the summer and had two different experiences. The first time it was pretty crowded and while the lake was beautiful I didn't like how many people were around. The second time was a bit of a cooler day but this made it a little less popular and it was immensely pleasant and serene to just be drifting along.

Whether a boating trip in the summer or snowmobiling in the winter, Gull Lake is a great place to enjoy Minnesota.

This lake has plenty of structure and the fishing is great. I like to go there for walleye in the fall. I look for 15-20 ft and find nice fish all over this lake. Watch out for zebra mussels as they are present on this lake.

Water quality is very good and there are several upscale resorts, lesser but nice resorts, great restaurants and good fishing. Boat rentals available at most of the resorts and other marinas in the area. We have stayed at Madden's on Gull Lake Restort for the last 3 years and love it.

Heaven is surely a day on a pontoon boat on Gull Lake. Loons will often dance for you while you quietly motor along. Many photo opportunities on Gull Lake, and many places along the shore to stop for refreshments.

Steamboat Bay is a protected area; the north end feels more like an ocean (stiffer waves in the wind)

if there is any drawback, it is the busy-ness of boat traffic. We stay at a friends' home on the north end when not staying at one of the resorts.