Originally part of the Old Grade Road which was used to haul logs, it is now a residential street about 3/4 mile long. It still connects to the northbound arm of the Old Grade, but that portion is generally traveled only by snowmobiles and ATV’s.

One of the larger lakes of the Chain at 1,496 acres, Trout Lake is widely known for its water clarity and amazing depths; some reports citing depths as much as 120 ft. This is a spring-fed lake with one upflow so strong that it will support a twenty pound weight! The public access is on the west side of CSAH 66 just north of Manhattan Beach.

Only 50 acres, Loon Lake connects to Island Lake and then flows into Lower Whitefish. A well-known spot for panfish, it has the most fishing activity during the spring prior to the opening of walleye and northern seasons.

Drive the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway to the south side of Crosslake on County Road 66. Turn into the Crosslake Corps of Engineers Campground. Open the door of the Corps office building and walk into the multi-purpose room. See memorabilia and artifacts on display.

The Corps of Engineers dam, located at the site of the Campground, controls the level of the entire Chain. The dam, originally built out of wood in 1886, was upgraded to concrete between 1904-07. In 1920 the operating system for the dam was modified to reflect the lock system installed on the Mississippi River in and near the Twin Cities.

Home to the Corps of Engineers Campground on the southeast side, Cross Lake, at 1184 acres, is one of the larger lakes among the fourteen others that make up the Whitefish Chain. It's popular for recreation and fishing. Many Crosslake restaurants and shops can be reached by boat. Crosslake has been featured in the original oils by Crosslake artist, Tom Ottoson.

Dotted with beautifully preserved islands and covering 924 acres, Rush Lake is one of the medium-sized lakes of the Whitefish Chain. Boaters need to pass through Rush Lake to get to either end of the Chain. Before the Dam was built, Rush was really two lakes with no islands, Rush and Hen (although maybe really Rush and Bass.)

From the road it’s easy to see the floating grassy island in the center of the Rush Lake waters just west of Ye Olde Wharf....or is it? The island rises, then sinks continuously throughout the days and months. There is a scientific explaination involving the process of photosynthesis.

Donated to the DNR by the Uppgaard family in 1987, this 110 acre tract has been specially landscaped to attract various wildlife from deer to butterflies. Wide walking trails meander throughout the property and maps are available at the arched entry. There is no charge to enjoy this wildlife area. Free guided tours are held every Wednesday at 9:30 AM, May-August.

This is the westernmost of 16 perimeter dikes constructed as part of the Pine River Dam Project. Construction of these dikes began around 1900 to prevent impounded water from seeking alternative overflow outlets. A network of trails through this forest-covered dike make it a pleasant stop afor strolling.