Come Aboard!
Our Loon Pontoon, “The StewardShip,” provides a fun and informative tour of Cross Lake that includes respectful (and exhilarating) observation of loons as well as lessons about the actions we can take to conserve loons and freshwater ecosystems. Reserve your ticket today for one of our summer programs. Scroll down below for more information and to book a spot!
Details
Cross Lake Recreation Area
35507 County Road 66
Crosslake, MN 56442
Off-site parking information is included in your reservation confirmation email.
May-September
*Dates vary
Trips vary from 1 to 3 hours in length. Please arrive at the docks at least ten minutes early to check in.
Life jackets and binoculars are provided.
Water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun protective clothing are encouraged.
Programs
Loon Pontoon Tours
Join a fun and informative tour of Cross Lake led by a naturalist guide. Observe several pairs of Common Loons across the lake, learning more about their behavior, natural history, and conservation needs.
Loon Watcher Training
Wednesday, May 27 | 8:30-11:30 AM
Join the NLC & MN DNR for a training on joining the Volunteer Loon Watcher Survey!
Loon Research Tours
Join us to document loon sightings across the Whitefish Chain! May through mid-August, we’ll survey a different lake of the chain each week. At the end of August through September, we’ll search for and observe groups of loons rafting before fall migration.
Loon Pontoon Workshops
Share Our Shoreline to protect our state bird! Take a deep dive into a special topic with a featured guest expert.
May 21 | Loon-friendly Shorelines
May 22 | Loon-friendly Forests
May 28 | Loon-friendly Waters
May 29 | Loons & Watersheds
Junior Loon Biologist
Ages 7-12
Experience a day in the life of a biologist! Trips include hands-on activities, educational sessions, and a chance to observe loons in their natural habitat. Each participant receives a Junior Loon Biologist Field Journal and sticker! For groups of youth, please email maddi@nationallooncenter.org.
Rain Checks
We may cancel trips due to rain, storms, or wind. We will do our best to notify passengers of cancellations at least 24 hours in advance. The captain reserves the right to cancel any excursion due to unforeseen weather conditions up until the moment of departure or shorten an excursion for safety. Use the buttons below to view the weather and wind forecasts in Crosslake to help plan your trip.
A special thank you to the donors that help make these programs possible:
Bernick Family Foundation
Land and Waters Preservation Trust
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund