If you’ve never visited the Northwoods in May, you might be missing one of the most special times of the year.
The lakes are waking up. The trees are budding. The loons are calling again. And everything feels fresh after a long Minnesota winter.
At Pine Terrace Resort, May is when the season begins to come alive — with fishing opener, peaceful lake mornings, family adventures, and plenty of room to breathe before the busy summer months.
Here’s a look at what makes May such a great time to visit the Crosslake area.
The fishing opener is practically a holiday in Minnesota.
Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye season kicks off across the state, and the lakes around Crosslake start filling with anglers eager to shake off winter and get back on the water.
Our guests love fishing the clear waters of Star Lake and our small chain. Spring patterns on this system are especially productive because the lakes warm gradually and the fish transition into predictable shallow zones.
In early May, Northern Pike are often active in shallow bays, emerging weed beds, and areas with fresh vegetation after their early spring spawn. It’s one of the best times of year to hook into a big fish — including the rare but legitimate 40”+ pike.
Largemouth Bass are typically staging around warming shallows, docks, and emerging weed edges as they move toward pre-spawn areas. Slower presentations near structure can be extremely effective while the water is still cool.
Smallmouth Bass are often found on rocky points, sand transitions, and shoreline structure as they begin their spring movement into shallower water.
The unique thing about this chain is the clean, flowing water and constant inflow, which keeps oxygen levels high and supports an incredibly healthy fishery. Combined with relatively light fishing pressure and clear water, the result is a lake system where anglers regularly find active fish and memorable catches early in the season.
For many anglers, May is actually one of the most exciting months to fish this system — cool water, aggressive fish, and quiet mornings on the lake before the full summer season arrives.
When the snow melts, the woods around Crosslake turn into an outdoor playground.
Pine Terrace has miles of hiking trails to explore, but we also love the nearby Paul Bunyan Trail — one of the longest paved rail trails in the country. It’s perfect for biking, walking, or just enjoying the spring scenery.
For mountain bikers, the world-class Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails are about 30 minutes away and offer incredible riding through red dirt trails and reclaimed mine lakes.
May is a fantastic time to explore because temperatures are comfortable, the woods are coming back to life, and trails are quieter than mid-summer!
May is peak wildlife season in the Northwoods.
Bird migration is in full swing, bringing an incredible variety of species back to Minnesota. You’ll often see:
Morning coffee by the lake often comes with a soundtrack of bird calls and the iconic loon wail echoing across the water.
It’s also common to spot:
Spring is when the whole ecosystem wakes up.
May 25th is Memorial Day and the town of Crosslake hosts several community events and gatherings, including local markets and community activities around town to honor and remember our men and women who gave everything in service to our country. The annual Memorial Day observance hosted by Crosslake Church includes a community ceremony honoring veterans, often featuring music, speakers, and military honors.
Around town you’ll often find:
It’s a great weekend to experience the energy of the lakes area as summer begins.
While the area has plenty going on, many families say their favorite moments are right here at the resort.
May is a great time to enjoy the property with space to relax and explore. Guests can enjoy:
And new for this season — families can enjoy our brand new 9-hole mini golf course, which is already shaping up to be a favorite gathering spot for guests of all ages.
After a day outside, there’s nothing better than a fish fry dinner, watching the sunset over the lake, and relaxing around a campfire.
One of the biggest reasons guests love visiting in May? It still feels peaceful.
You get the beauty of the Northwoods coming back to life, the excitement of fishing opener, and the fun of early lake season — all before the busiest part of summer arrives.
If you’ve been feeling a little cabin fever after winter, May might be the perfect time for a Northwoods getaway.
We’d love to welcome you to the lake.
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