STAY CONNECTED.
PHOTO CREDIT: ERIC BRANDT IMAGES
Looking for something to do with the grandkids? Seeking entertainment on a gloomy day?
Hackensack, Walker and the surrounding lakes, rivers, parks and trails offer a wide range of activities for people of all ages and skills. There are places to shop, things to see, theaters and concerts galore and plenty of restaurants to visit.
Walker & Leech Lake
Outdoor Adventures
Walk or bike the Paul Bunyan State Trail—the longest paved rail trail in the country.
Explore the trails at Deep Portage Learning Center for hiking, birdwatching, skiing, and nature programs.
Hike the Shingobee Recreation Area, featuring scenic overlooks and connections to the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Explore the North Country National Scenic Trail near Hackensack and Walker for miles of peaceful forest hiking.
Discover the Paul Bunyan State Forest with hiking, primitive camping, ATV riding, and snowmobiling.
ATV & UTV trail riding throughout Cass County.
Snowmobiling on hundreds of miles of groomed winter trails.
Cross-country ski the Hiram Ski Trail or the trails at Deep Portage.
Birdwatching and wildlife photography throughout the Chippewa National Forest and Deep Portage.
Take a scenic drive through the Chippewa National Forest, especially during peak fall colors.
Enjoy primitive camping and dispersed camping in nearby state forests.
Explore miles of forest roads perfect for a leisurely drive, leaf-peeping, or wildlife spotting.
Explore Downtowns
Hackensack
Visit the Lucette Statue (Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart)
Browse local gift shops & boutiques
Walk through Birch Lake Park
Explore antique and specialty shops
Grab an ice cream or coffee
Be sure to visit the Little Log Lending Library next to the Lucette statue on Birch Lake in downtown Hackensack. Open daily from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (closed Sundays), this volunteer-run library invites visitors to borrow, share, and donate books.
Walker
Shop downtown Walker
Browse Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters
Visit Walker City Park
Stroll along Leech Lake
Visit local art galleries and boutiques
LOCAL EATS
Breakfast
Viddles and Joe
Blue Ox Coffee House
Lunch & Dinner
Birchwood Char House & Bar
Charng Thai Restaurant
Butts & Buns BBQ
Drake's Pizza
American Legion Post 202
Sweet Treats
Big Dipper
Sun and Fun
Breweries & Drinks
Rendezvous Brewing
Barrel & Vine
Annual Events
Sweetheart Days
Chainsaw Event
Back to Hack
TMLA Annual Meeting
Nearby Communities
Hackensack – Shopping, dining, Lucette, community events
Walker – Leech Lake, shopping, restaurants, trails
Longville – Turtle races, local shops, dining
Pine River – Restaurants, shopping, Paul Bunyan Trail
Backus – Small-town charm and outdoor recreation
Nisswa – Boutique shopping and seasonal events
Crosby – Mountain biking, Cuyuna recreation area
Crosslake – Whitefish Chain, restaurants, shopping