Corps alters reservation policy at two Mississippi River Headwaters campsites

The Pokegama Recreation Area is situated on the Mississippi River at the western edge of Grand Rapids, Minn. Festivals and events held throughout the summer in nearby Grand Rapid make our campsites very convenient for area visitors and travelers on U.S. Highway 2. The recreation area offers camping, boating, picnicking, fishing and playground areas. There are 19 camp sites and two tent sites. The camp and tents site adjacent to the Mississippi River gives campers a spectacular view of the river. The picnic area is located near the parking area and close enough to the river for breezy winds on a hot day. Pokegama Lake is a highly utilized lake for recreational purposes, such as fishing, boating, waterskiing and personal watercraft use. A boat ramp just north of the dam gives boaters access to the river. The fish population includes walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pan fish and the occasional lake trout. USACE photo by Patrick Moes

The Lake Winnibigoshish Recreation Area is situated at the outlet of Lake Winnibigoshish, located about 14 miles northwest of Deer River, Minn. The lake is 67,000 acres in size and has 141 miles of shoreline. It was formed by a huge ice block left behind by a receding glacier. Area forests contain towering red pine, which are home to an abundant assortment of animals including bald eagles, porcupines, black bears, chipmunks and many others. Seasonal berries that decorate the forest floor include blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. Spectacular sunsets can be viewed from the dam structure as you look west out over the reservoir. The well maintained, clean recreation area offers camping, boating, picnicking, fishing and playground areas. The camp sites are located east of the Mississippi River and Winnibigoshish Dam. A majority of the camp sites are available for reservation. Some have access to electricity. There is also a camp site and rest room accessible to those who are mobility impaired. Lake Winnibigoshish is one of the premier walleye, perch and musky lakes in the state. Fishing is allowed from the shoreline, as well as from boats. There is one boat ramp that leads into the Mississippi River for a cool and relaxing day.