Water
True North Basecamp is known for many great amenities and features, including access to downtown Crosby businesses, direct access to the mountain bike trails, and unique cabin designs with views of Armour Number Two Mine Lake.
What also makes True North Basecamp unique? “Water.”
Armour Number Two Mine 1914
In 1918, the peak year of ore mining, the Cuyuna region had 27 mines operating. Since most of these mines were open pits, by the time the last mine closed in 1984, they began to fill with water creating a chain of crystal clear lakes, some as deep as 550 feet. The other unique feature of the mine lakes is how quiet they are since no speed boats are allowed. This is why paddleboarding, kayaking, and scuba diving are popular on the mine lakes.
At True North Basecamp, our guests have direct access to one of the mine pit lakes, Armour #2 Mine Lake. With this direct access, no need to get into your car and drive to find the water. We even have a flat sandy beach to launch your paddleboard or kayak. The beauty of the mine pit lakes is the proximity; often, a short portage is only needed to jump onto another mine pit lake. For example, guests at True North Basecamp can launch onto Armour #2 Mine Lake, take a short portage on the other side of the lake (crossing over the paved bike path), and access Portsmouth Mine Lake. Another short portage from Portsmouth Mine Lake provides access to Pennington Mike Lake or Mahnomen Mine Lake #1. Access the DNR trail map to plot out your next paddleboard or kayak adventure: If you want to rent a Paddle Board or Kayak and have it delivered to your campsite or cabin, contact Cuyuna Outfitters.
Trout
Trout fishing on the Mine Lakes? Yes indeed! The DNR has been stocking the mine pit lakes for decades with Lake Trout. Most of the trout going into the 11 mine lakes in the Cuyuna Range is of two strains of rainbow trout: Kamloops and Arlee. Other trout species can include brook trout and brown trout. Before casting a line, go to the DNR website for fishing regulations: The Cuyuna Lakes Trails Association also has a short article on trout fishing linklink.
Drinking-Water
That red dirt that Cuyuna enthusiasts rave about looks great on bike tires and outdoor equipment, but not so much in the drinking water. That red dirt everyone rides and walks on is full of iron, which means the groundwaternecessary is full of that same red iron. When True North Basecamp was developed, we knew conditioned drinking would be important for our guests. We invested in directional drilling from our property to the City of Crosby’s municipal water lines. This means our guests access clean drinking water that has been treated to remove the iron. So go ahead and fill up your water bottles and water bags at True North Basecamp before enjoying the trails.