9 Fun Winter Things to Do in Baudette Minnesota

Ice fishing might be the main attraction for visitors to Lake of the Woods and the small town of Baudette in northern Minnesota, but that’s certainly not all the area has to offer. There are several fun and truly unique things to do in Baudette Minnesota in winter.

From an igloo bar in the middle of the frozen lake to a modern distillery with great cocktails, Baudette is a small town full of surprises!

A cup of coffee held in front of an ice fishing sleeper house, a cocktail in front of a fireplace and three women in front of a walleye statue.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, visit this page.

Where is Baudette Minnesota?

Baudette is a small town in north central Minnesota along the Canadian border. It’s the main town near Lake of the Woods, which has some of the best ice fishing in Minnesota. It’s located about 6 hours (300 miles) north of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. Although the drive is on the longer side for a weekend getaway, the route will take you through either Bemidji or Grand Rapids, which make great places to stop for a meal or to stretch your legs. 

Lake of the Woods is located in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border.
Baudette is located in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border.

The town of Baudette has a population of just under a thousand people but an abundance of fishing resorts that attract visitors to the area in all seasons.

Fun Things to Do in Baudette Minnesota in Winter

For such a small town, there’s lots of things to do in Baudette Minnesota and Lake of the Woods.

1 | Go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods.

An ice fishing sleeper house on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota
One of the most unique things to do in Baudette Minnesota is stay in a sleeper house on Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods didn’t get the nickname the “Walleye Capital of the World” for no reason! It’s a popular destination for anglers in all seasons. In winter, you’ll find some of the best ice fishing in Minnesota. The area has over 65 lodging options, many of which are fishing resorts that offer gear rental and ice fishing guides. Go for the day, overnight or several nights!

New to ice fishing? Not a problem! The ice fishing guides will do an excellent job answering all of your questions and teaching you how to use your gear. I had never been before visiting and was reeling in fish before the guide even left!

Pro Tip: Looking for one of the most unique experiences in Minnesota? Stay in one of the Lake of the Woods sleeper houses in the middle of the frozen lake! 

Looking for other great places to go ice fishing? Here are some of the best ice fishing lakes in Minnesota!

2 | Sip a cocktail at Lake of the Woods Distilling Company.

Cocktail being held up in front of sofas and a fireplace in a distillery tasting room.
Lake of the Woods Distilling Company has a modern and comfy tasting room in downtown Baudette.

If you’re looking for a place to warm up after ice fishing, head to downtown Baudette and grab a cocktail from Lake of the Woods Distilling Company. They are Minnesota’s northernmost distillery and specialize in small batch distilled vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, rum and whiskey.

The tasting room has an industrial vibe with rustic touches. There’s a cozy seating area around a fireplace as well as tables and bar seating. Bottled spirits are available for purchase.

Pro Tip: If you like tart and refreshing cocktails, try the Blueberry Hill!

3 | Grab a bite from Grace Sushi.

Sushi and pot stickers from Grace Sushi in Baudette Minnesota
Enjoy your meal from Grace Sushi inside Lake of the Woods Distilling Company’s tasting room.

One of the newest restaurants in Baudette is Grace Sushi, right next door to Lake of the Woods Distilling Company. In fact, you can order food here and have it delivered to you inside the distillery. 

Sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a small town in northern Minnesota, but the food is great. There are staple menu items like california roll as well as unique options like the Lake of the Woods roll (which was really good!).

4 | Snap a photo in front of the Willie Walleye statue.

Me walking in front of the Willie Walleye statue in Baudette MN in winter.
Willie Walleye stands 40 feet tall in downtown Baudette Minnesota.

One of the top things to do in Baudette Minnesota is to snap a photo in front of the iconic Willie Walleye statue downtown along the Rainey River. The original statue was built in 1959 but deteriorated due to the tough conditions. It was rebuilt out of fiberglass in 2018 and now stands over 40 feet tall. 

Pro Tip: For a unique experience, visit during the warmer months to experience the town’s largest festival called Willie Walleye Days. 

5 | Go shopping at Ronning’s.

A store named Ronning's that looks like a log cabin in downtown Baudette MN.
Ronning’s sells outdoor gear, gifts, and more in downtown Baudette.

Located in downtown Baudette, Ronning’s has a great selection of name-brand outdoor gear, gifts, souvenirs, Canadian jam (it’s a thing) and Minnesota-inspired everything. The store has four locations throughout northern Minnesota and features locally-made products and Minnesota small businesses.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to get a photo in front of the mural along the outside of the building!

6 | Have some winter fun at Zippel Bay State Park.

Explore the trails at nearby Zippel Bay State Park. Here you’ll find groomed cross-country ski trails with access to the frozen Lake of the Woods and Zippel Bay. Off-trail snowshoeing is allowed and a great way to experience the park in winter.

The park may appear closed because there are barricades across the road near the park office in winter. The road is converted into a cross-country ski trail, so park near the office and head out from there on your skis or snowshoes.

Note that this park is about 20 miles west of Baudette. A day or annual Minnesota State Parks pass is required. Passes can be purchased online via the DNR website.

Pro Tip: Did you know that Minnesota State Park passes can be borrowed from over 100 libraries across the state? Find out more here.

7 | Visit the Igloo Bar.

Igloo Bar is shaped like an igloo in the middle of a frozen Lake of the Woods in Minnesota.
The Igloo Bar is located 2 miles out on Lake of the Woods near Baudette.

Have you ever been to a bar in the middle of a frozen lake? Check this experience off of your Minnesota bucket list at Igloo Bar! 

The bar itself is not an actual igloo made of snow but it is designed to look like one. To get here, purchase an ice road pass from Zippel Bay Resort (approximately $10) and drive on the frozen lake about two miles until you see the sign to turn for the Igloo Bar. 

Inside is a heated full bar with a small food menu, ATM, and even televisions. While you’re there drop a fishing line through one of the holes under the tables and fish while you drink. There are heated and clean outhouse style bathrooms next to the igloo. 

Pro Tip: Igloo Bar is cash only, but there is an ATM inside.

This is by far the most unique thing to do in Baudette Minnesota in winter – and probably in the entire state of Minnesota!

If you can believe it there is more than one bar on the frozen lake. An alternative to the Igloo Bar is the Angry Walleye which is operated by Cyrus Resort nearby.

8 | Try the fried pickles at Miles Lab Bar & Grill.

Fried pickles with cheese at Miles Lab Bar & Grill in Lake of the Woods Minnesota.
The fried pickles at Miles Lab Bar & Grill have cheese inside!

Miles Lab Bar & Grill is operated by River Bend Resort. When I asked the waitress what their specialty was, her eyes lit up and she said “the fried pickles”. I was not disappointed! The fried pickles come as spears with cheese inside for a unique twist on a classic Minnesota appetizer. 

The menu includes tasty burgers and sandwiches, pizza, broasted chicken and the catch of the day. If you stay at River Bend Resort, they will even clean and prepare the fish you’ve caught that day!

Pro Tip: Many the Lake of the Woods fishing resorts have a restaurant that is open to the public. Others recommended to me include Adrian’s Resort and Ballard’s Resort.

9 | Enjoy coffee from New Moon Coffeehouse.

Need caffeine? New Moon Coffeehouse & Eatery is a great place to grab a cup of coffee in downtown Baudette. On Tuesday nights, they also have a dinner special with rotating menu items. 

Fun Things to Do in Baudette Minnesota (and Lake of the Woods)

While the town may be small, there are several unique and fun things to do in Baudette Minnesota in winter. It’s not just a destination for avid fishermen and women, it’s a great place to go fishing and ice fishing for beginners! 

Related content to read next:

What to Wear Hiking in Winter: A Prepared Girl’s Guide

First Timer’s Guide to Ice Fishing Sleeper Houses on Lake of the Woods

12 Best Things to Do in Fergus Falls Minnesota (in Winter!)

Check out my Minnesota travel page for even more inspiration and tips!

Did you find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

6 thoughts on “9 Fun Winter Things to Do in Baudette Minnesota

  1. This Big Wild World says:

    It’s a beautiful part of Minnesota and, yes, there is great cross-country skiing too! The igloo bar and fried pickles are the perfect way to warm up after an afternoon of winter fun.

  2. This Big Wild World says:

    Ha ha well, the area is known for walleye fishing and is called the “Walleye Capital of the World” so they decided to make it official with a giant statue. It’s a year-round fishing destination! The igloo bar and ice fishing are both super fun and very Minnesotan experiences.

  3. Karen says:

    I have never been in this part of Minnesota and would love to go. The winter adventure sound wonderful. I bet the cross-country skiing is good up there too. I definitely would hang out at the Igloo bar and get me some fried pickles.

  4. Melinda says:

    This looks like such a fun town! I would definitely visit the igloo bar and love your photo in front of Willie Walleye.

  5. Josy A says:

    Lol…so is there a story behind the Willie Walleye statue? Is he a local mascot? Or did someone just decide in the 50s that the town needed a big fish?

    The igloo bar and ice-fishing both look amaaaazing! (I also loved your longer post about the ice fishing – I learned so much!)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.