Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Cuyuna Photo Credits: Paddle North Paddle Boards
To paddleboard in Minnesota, one of the best places in Cuyuna. These were mine pits from three decades ago 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 fishes, among other natural beauties. You will find a lot of routes for paddleboarding. If you are beginning and don’t have the gear, renting it from one of these places is an option. Besides stand-up paddling, you can perform other aquatic sports like canoeing in kayaks and scuba diving. Other activities include hiking and biking in the beautiful forest surrounding the lakes. Now, let’s explore more about Cuyuna and stand-up paddleboarding there.
Cuyuna is the Perfect Example of a Natural Transformation
If you had been at Cuyuna 50 years ago, mining was still the principal activity. The name is Cuyuna comes from Cuyler Adams, who was the man who made the discoveries of iron and manganese, which were explored for decades. It was Adam’s wife who came up with the name Cuyuna. She combined the first name of her husband and the name of their Saint Bernard dog Una.
After the mines had been abandoned, the excavations were 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 took place.
The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Cuyuna habitats created the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, where once were the mines. It is a complete recreational place for outdoor activities. You can camp along the shores, hike in the forest, and spend days in the wild. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, Cuyuna is waiting for you.
The Appeal of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Cuyuna
Stand-up paddleboarding is particularly appealing in Cuyuna. This is because the lake holds pure and crystal waters. Since the mines were abandoned, no other industry has contaminated the area. Mother Nature stood firm when reclaiming the former mines for herself.
Consequently, 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 stand-up paddleboarding sights of your surroundings is watching the sights. In Cuyuna, you get the views of your surroundings and the pictures beneath the surface.
The lake opens its windows to anybody who chooses to take a ride on top of it. 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 look at this 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, and you wouldn’t believe you are so close to it when you are in the middle of a lake in Cuyuna.
When paddleboarding in a lake, the quietness, and peace make you feel far away from a modern city. Its privileged location makes it a two-hour drive 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 disappear, except when you look down in the right places. There are remains of the former mining activities, and you can see them while you practice stand-up paddleboarding.
Spending Family Time in Cuyuna
The Cuyuna natural park is perfect for spending some family time. The waters are clean and safe, making them perfect for children. You can enjoy water activities and a camping weekend at True North Basecamp
Stand-up paddleboarding is just one of the many things you can do in Cuyuna. There are many facilities to make the most of your stay. If you are new to watersports, the people from Cuyuna will guide you on your first steps to make it an adventure!
True North Basecamp offers Minnesota's own Paddle North paddle boards for rent. Paddle North gets all the photo credits in this piece.