Welcome to Akeley in Hubbard County MN

Eleventh Crow Wing Lake, Paul Bunyan State Forest, Paul Bunyan Days, Polar Plunge

Akeley is a delightful Northern Minnesotan town located north of Nevis on the junction of State Highway 34 and 64. According to the 2010 census, the population of Akeley was 438. Akeley is a friendly town and a great location to consider living in. The median house or condo value is significantly lower than the Minnesota average. The average household size in Akeley is around 2 people, and the percentage of family households is approximately 61 percent, which is just a little lower than the state average.

The temperatures in Akeley are pretty much even with the rest of Minnesota, with winter seasons averaging between 0F and 10F, and summer seasons averaging right around 70F with a daily high closer to 80F. There is also plenty of sunshine most of the year, making the time spent outdoors exploring Akeley's attractions and events enjoyable all year round.

There are seven colleges and universities located within a 100-mile radius of Akeley. Ranging from furthest to nearest, these colleges and universities include Bemidji State University, Central Lakes College Brainerd Campus, Alexandria Technical and Community College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Concordia College at Moorhead, and the Main Campus of North Dakota State University. The proximity of these well-known colleges and universities are often one of the determining factors when families decide to settle in the Akeley area. A short drive home for the weekend makes this location very convenient.

Lakes, Lakes, Lakes

Akeley is surrounded by lakes of all sizes. There are hundreds of lakes within a 20-mile radius of Akeley populated with lake homes, cabins, resorts, and campgrounds. Some of the bigger lakes in the Akeley area include Leech Lake, Ten Mile Lake, Kabekona Lake, the Crow Wing Lake Chain, Lake Belle Taine, and Big Sand Lake. Other popular lakes of a smaller size in the Akeley area include Shallow Lake, Ham Lake, Loon Lake, Shingobee Lake, Robinson Lake, Island Lake, and Steel Lake.

Eleventh Crow Wing Lake, Crow Wing Chain of Lakes

Eleventh Crow Wing Lake is the official headwaters to the Crow Wing Chain of Lakes, which all flow into the Crow Wing River, located on the Northeastern border of Akeley in Hubbard County. Eleventh Crow Wing Lake is a beautifully clear, spring fed lake with a surface area of 751 acres and a maximum depth of 80 feet. There are many structures like rocks and coves which make for great places to find northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. Eleventh Crow Wing Lake also includes populations of walleye, sunfish, golden shiner, yellow bullhead, rock bass, black crappie, bluegill, and bowfin (also called dogfish).

The city of Akeley owns and maintains a public access and campground located on the south shore of Eleventh Crow Wing Lake. Along with fishing, the stable water levels of the lake prove to be ideal for canoeing, and there is an abundance of wild rice to be collected. Boating, swimming, and lazing around on the beach are other popular past times to enjoy when visiting Eleventh Crow Wing Lake.

Aside from the numerous lakes, Akeley is also nestled between more than 5 state parks and forests, including Itasca State Park, Two Inlets State Forest, Smoky Hills State Forest, Huntersville State Forest, and Paul Bunyan State Forest.

Paul Bunyan State Forest, Paul Bunyan State Trail

The Paul Bunyan State Forest is located just north of Akeley on Highway 64. The State Forest features 150,113 acres of land that consists of rough and hilly terrain with many tiny ponds and bogs, along with great pine forests. Paul Bunyan State Forest has a huge network of trails that extend hundreds of miles and connect with other nearby state park trails, running throughout all of Northern and Central Minnesota.

These trails consist of the Paul Bunyan State Trail, Martineau OHM Trails, North Country National Scenic Trail, and Round River Drive ATV Trail. The trails are popular among those who enjoy bicycling, hiking, rollerblading, ATV, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Nature trackers and bird watchers also find peace and comfort with the different species of wildlife that can be found within the forests. The trails are also available through the two campgrounds within the Paul Bunyan State Forest.

Mantrap Lake Campground, Gulch Lake Campground

The Mantrap Lake Campground and Day-Use Area has two handicap-accessible camp sites and 36 drive-in sites. Campers have access to Mantrap Lake, which is a designated muskie lake and includes a public dock.

The Gulch Lake Campground and Day-Use Area is located in a game refuge and non-motorized recreation area near Bass Lake, Lake 21, and Nelson Lake. Fishing and water recreation is peaceful on each of these calm lakes in the quiet campground. The campground consists of 9 camp sites and 1 group site.

Both the Mantrap Lake Campground and Gulch Lake Campground offer cleared areas, fire rings, and tables for each of their camp sites. Vault toilets, garbage cans, picnic areas, and drinking water are also available for the all the campers and guests who are visiting the Campgrounds. Fishing, swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities are always welcome.

Paul Bunyan Days

The Annual Paul Bunyan Days has been hosted by Akeley every June, since 1955. This event is a great opportunity for vendors from all over Northern Minnesota to gather and sell their items. There are activities for all ages to enjoy, and a Kiddie Parade that goes through downtown.

Paul Bunyan Statue

Akeley is home to Minnesota's largest statue of Paul Bunyan, the legendary lumberjack. The Paul Bunyan statue is what Akeley is known for by those in nearby towns, and the statue is a great place for tourists and visitors to make memories with the fun picture opportunities. Akeley was originally home of Paul Bunyan's Cradle, built in 1949. However, in 1984 the Paul Bunyan statue was built in front of his cradle. The Paul Bunyan statue is 30 1/2 feet tall, with Paul leaning down on one knee and holding his hand out to the ground for guests to sit in his large palm for neat pictures.

Annual Fishing Tournament, Polar Plunge

Akeley also holds the Annual Fishing Tournament and Polar Plunge in February on Eleventh Crow Wing Lake. The Fishing Tournament and Polar Plunge is partnered with Audrey's Purple Dream, an organization designed to raise funds to help local cancer victims and their families with medical bills and other expenses. There are events within this grand event, including a fishing contest, an ice castle fish house contest, the "Paint the Town Purple" contest, the rhythm clock raffle, the mystery box raffle, and the button raffle. The button raffle prizes consist of a wide variety of prizes ranging from cash prizes, 3 day pass for Moondance, grab bags, gift bags, jewelry, and coupons and gift certificates.

Downtown Akeley, Farmers Market

Along with the surrounding outdoor park and lake recreation, there are also many different exciting attractions and events to experience within the town of Akeley. Downtown Akeley offers unique stores, restaurants, and a playground for children. Starting Memorial Day weekend, Akeley hosts a farmers market every Friday, with fresh produce, baked goods, honey, home decor, furniture, and a variety of knick-knacks.

Although Akeley is one of the smaller towns in the Park Rapids and Northern Minnesota region, the town still booms with activity during all seasons. For more information or help with any of your real estate needs in the Akeley area, please contact Jack Brann today.