DNR lake ID 61013000
Lake Minnewaska
The access sheet distinguishes north, northeast and northwest entries around this single canonical lake. Glenwood and Starbuck make it Pope County’s clearest big-water orientation point.
Northwest Minnesota · Lake Minnewaska and glacial prairie hills
Pope County
Pope County’s water story opens around Lake Minnewaska, where Glenwood and Starbuck face the same broad lake from opposite ends. South of Starbuck, Glacial Lakes State Park trades the big-water horizon for rolling prairie, oak woods and smaller kettle lakes. Use exact DNR lake IDs here, then verify the access, rules and conditions that match your day.
Accessible orientation
Use Minnewaska as the county’s central bearing
Glenwood is the county seat at Lake Minnewaska’s eastern end; Starbuck is at the west. Highway 28 follows the lake corridor, while Glacial Lakes State Park lies south of Starbuck. Villard and Westport are useful northern bearings, and Cyrus and Sedan orient the county’s western and southeastern sides. Use the maintained MnDOT map for roads and municipalities.
- Big-water day: start with Minnewaska’s full ID and choose among the official access entries.
- Quieter-lake day: compare Pelican, Reno and Villard by exact number in LakeFinder.
- Park day: use the current park map and reservation system for Signalness Lake, trails and camping.
Canonical named-lake discovery
Four verified Pope County lake identities
These waters appear by name and number in the DNR public-waters inventory and on the maintained Douglas–Pope access sheet. Facilities are planning leads, not promises of present usability. Unnamed waters are excluded.
DNR lake ID 61011100
Pelican Lake
Pelican is a separate named public water with a DNR concrete access listed on the county sheet. Use its full ID because Minnesota has other lakes with the same name.
DNR lake ID 61007800
Reno Lake
Reno spans Pope and Douglas county context but keeps one canonical identity here under its 61-series DNR number. The access sheet lists a DNR concrete launch.
DNR lake ID 61014900
Signalness (Mountain) Lake
This named lake anchors Glacial Lakes State Park. The DNR lists a launch, fishing pier and swimming beach; the launch is restricted to non-motorized craft and electric motors.
More named-water context: Villard Lake (61006700) has its own DNR access and a current special sunfish regulation. Check LakeFinder and the current regulations before fishing.
Fishing, trails and overnight stays
Build the day from verified facilities
LakeFinder is the current water-specific checkpoint for surveys, regulations and notices. Glacial Lakes State Park adds hiking, horseback riding, camping, paddling and a paved five-mile trail connection to Starbuck; facility availability and rentals still need a current check.
Check each fishery
Search the exact lake ID, then review current regulations, surveys, consumption guidance, access and notices. An access-sheet species code does not promise a catch.
Open DNR LakeFinderWalk or ride the glacial terrain
The park’s maintained information supports prairie, oak-woodland and lake overlooks, hiking and horse trails, plus the paved route toward Starbuck. Carry the current map and observe posted use rules.
Plan with the official park pageReserve before relying on a bed
The park documents drive-in, horse, group, hike-in and camper-cabin options. Availability, seasons, services, permits and site details can change, so confirm them in the official reservation flow.
Explore recreation
Make real communities part of the route
Glenwood, Starbuck, Villard, Westport, Cyrus and Sedan are verified Pope County municipalities. Glenwood and Starbuck frame the Minnewaska corridor; use current local records for dated festivals, performances or museum hours rather than assuming a recurring event is active.
Four-season planning
Match the plan to water, weather and park notices
- Spring: check launch condition, cold-water risk, soft trails and park alerts before leaving home.
- Summer: confirm access, life jackets, licenses, swimming conditions, reservations and clean-drain-dispose steps.
- Fall: carry layers, check hunting and park rules, and use visible clothing on shared public-land routes.
- Winter: choose verified land trails and current park information; a photograph, date or footprints never prove safe ice.
