Every year our guests are surprised by the abundance of wildlife in the Rainy Lake wilderness. It is important to remember that all the wildlife you encounter are living in their natural settings living relatively undisturbed. The birds and animals vie with the land and water for your attention as you cruise the ancient but unspoiled waterways. On any given day you may see white-tailed deer, black bear, beaver, mink, red squirrels, otters, and moose. Bird lovers will see bald eagles, loons, blue herons, ospreys, hawks, ducks, cormorants, turkey vultures, herring gulls, and a wide variety of songbirds.
Rainy Lake is a major nesting area for bald eagles, loons, osprey and blue herons. In the spring of the year the raptors are easily viewed with binoculars as they remain in close proximity to their nesting sites. As we progress into summer we see the eaglets perched on their nests waiting for food from their parents. You will see the baby loons riding upon their parents’ back in late June and early July. By the end of summer they are ready for their first journey south. The adult loons gather in groups of 10-30 and provide great entertainment at night with their calling.
The hiking trails on the Kabetogama Peninsula provide great vistas to view both Rainy Lake and some of the beautiful lakes found on the interior hiking trails. In mid-July and early August blueberry season is in full swing. There is nothing like fresh blueberry muffins or pancakes for breakfast.
Stop on one of Rainy Lake’s many sand beaches, enjoy the sun and the scenery. After your first day you will honestly think you’ve been let into heaven!
