Getting Here

Is part of the adventure

Travel to this wilderness hideaway is part of the adventure. Our resort is located on Oak Island, a sheltered island in the center of Lake of the Woods.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge is located in Minnesota but has a unique location and is situated right along the US/Canadian border. So close to the border we can see Canada from our dock.

You can get to Oak Island by staying in Minnesota the whole time by water or air.  Another way to get to us is by driving to the Northwest Angle through a portion of Canada and back into the U.S. again and then coming by water for 9 miles.

U. S. citizens and permanent residents crossing into Canada to travel to the Northwest Angle or fishing in Canada. Six forms of documentation are acceptable. They include the US Passport, US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID Card, NEXUS Card, SENTRI Card, or the FAST Card. For more information click here.

As of October 1, 2022 a COVID vaccine is NO LONGER required.

BY WATER

Drive by car to Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River Baudette, MN, and come by water.

  • Have your own boat or snowmobile? Or take your vehicle to us by ice road.  We are just 9 miles away from the mainland. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the island from Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle. The 9-mile boat ride is sheltered by islands and is a beautiful cruise. Contact us for directions. In the winter the local snowmobile club stakes a trail to our doorstep. Click here for trail information. Another popular option is the Ice Road. In late December or early January, a local company plows and maintains an ice road from Young’s Bay to us and other island resorts and private cabins. This road can be accessed at Young’s Bay and a road pass can be purchased at Jerry’s Restaurant at Young’s Bay as well. For more information about the ice road and current conditions, contact us at 800-772-8411 or by email here  or Points North Services.

Drive by car to Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle, and come by water.

    For this option, you will be required to cross the U.S. and Canadian borders.  A few steps need to be taken with this route but it is an opportunity to explore our unique area.  Getting to the island is part of the adventure and allure to this amazing destination.  If you are coming from the U.S. you will cross into Canada and then back into the U.S. If you are coming from Canada, you will check into the U.S. shortly before getting to Young’s Bay.   U. S. citizens and permanent residents crossing into Canada to travel to the Northwest Angle or fishing in Canada. One of the six forms of documentation is acceptable. They include the US Passport, US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID Card, NEXUS Card, SENTRI Card, or the FAST Card. 
    Click here for Border Crossing Information.

    • We can pick you up! Boat transportation or track vehicle transportation from the Northwest Angle to the island, a 9-mile and 15-minute trip is available. Check out our rates pages for current rate information and contact us to schedule your trip.
    • Have your own boat or snowmobile? Or take your vehicle to us by ice road.  We are just 9 miles away from the mainland. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the island from Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle. The 9-mile boat ride is sheltered by islands and is a beautiful cruise. Contact us for directions. In the winter the local snowmobile club stakes a trail to our doorstep. Click here for trail information. Another popular option is the Ice Road. In late December or early January, a local company plows and maintains an ice road from Young’s Bay to us and other island resorts and private cabins. This road can be accessed at Young’s Bay and a road pass can be purchased at Jerry’s Restaurant at Young’s Bay as well. For more information about the ice road and current conditions, contact us at 800-772-8411 or by email here  or Points North Services.

    BY AIR

    • Have your own float plane? Fly right to our dock.
    • Commercial Airlines fly into nearby cities. In Minnesota, International Falls, Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Duluth, and on the Canadian side, Winnipeg, Manitoba. From there, car rentals and shuttle services are available from various companies to get to Baudette or the Northwest Angle. We can assist you with scheduling transportation services from Baudette or the Northwest Angle to the island by boat or winter track vehicle. An ice road is also available from the Northwest Angle in the winter. See the information above in the by water options above for additional details on those services.

    Rides to Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle and Baudette

    Click here to contact us online or call us at (800) 772-8411.