Nice lake but too bad about the zebra mussels. Hope they find a way to get rid of them. It was fun to see all the resorts & houses on the lake.
I don't think it's a very big view that you could hangout for a whole day, but if several lakes in a row would be better. But if you own a property beside the lake, that's another story
This is a prime vacation/tourist area, about 15 minutes northwest of Brainerd, Mn. There are many ways to spent time and money in and around the lake. Some of Minnesotans most expensive resorts and finest golf courses are on the south side of the lake (ie Maddens & Craguns), or the North side (Grand View Lodge). There are many restaurants right on the lake. The lake itself can get very busy on summer weekends. Craguns is open throughout the year, not just during the summer and a winter vacation here is very distinctive (and can, if you like, involve going out onto the lake for various activities).WATCH OUT DRIVING - there have been some bad crashes on local roads with some people not paying attention as they look at the scenery or lose control as roads make major turns.This is not the quintessential quick, remote northern lake - it has a lot of commercial activity. But if the activities you are seeking are found it, this is a beautiful, if extremely busy (during the summer)
This lake has plenty of structure and the fishing is great. I like to go there for walleye in the fall. I look for 15-20 ft and find nice fish all over this lake. Watch out for zebra mussels as they are present on this lake.
My husband and I are 'camping' in Pequot Lakes for the remainder of the summer. Last Sunday afternoon was a picture perfect day for boating, so we called around and found a pontoon that was available at Boats and Beyond which is right on the lake. We have been in the Brainerd Lakes area several times and had driven by Gull Lake, but we had never been on it. The map indicated that it's only 15 square miles - rather small in comparison to Lake Mille Lacs which is 207 square miles and borders 3 MN counties, but it seemed huge! There were many other boats on the lake, but it wasn't crowded at all. We headed north and went through several channels to the other smaller lakes. We were able to get up close enough to the Loons for some really great pictures - I was surprised that they were not more afraid of the boats passing so close. While going though one of the channels, another boater alerted us to an Eagles nest in the top of a tall pine and my husband captured pictures with his high end camera of the mamma watching over the nest.
This is a great lake for boaters. Be sure to take a map because you could get lost. There are many bays off this lake. You can take channels that lead to other lakes. Lake gets very rough during storms and windy days. There are areas where you will find many boats anchored and people swimming.
I love Gull Lake. Go during the week to avoid crowds. The restaraunts on the lake are all worth stopping at. Stop by Lakes Fun Rental to rent a pontoon and spend a whole day of fun swimming in the bays, snacking, and enjoying the sun.
if there is any drawback, it is the busy-ness of boat traffic. We stay at a friends' home on the north end when not staying at one of the resorts.
Water quality is very good and there are several upscale resorts, lesser but nice resorts, great restaurants and good fishing. Boat rentals available at most of the resorts and other marinas in the area. We have stayed at Madden's on Gull Lake Restort for the last 3 years and love it.
Steamboat Bay is a protected area; the north end feels more like an ocean (stiffer waves in the wind)