Gull Lake Recreation Area is the easiest way to get lake time without owning a dock. There’s a sandy swimming beach, a shaded picnic area, and a boat launch that puts you on the water in minutes — handy if you’ve brought your own canoe or rented a pontoon for the day. The swimming area is roped off and gently sloped, so it’s a favorite with families and anyone who just wants to float without worrying about boat traffic.
Come early if you want a picnic table to yourself, especially on July and August weekends when the lot fills up by mid-morning. Late afternoon is our favorite window: the crowds thin out, the light turns gold over the water, and the breeze off the lake cools things down after a warm day. There are restrooms and a bathhouse on site, so you can rinse off before heading back to the motel. Bring bug spray for dusk — this is still the Northwoods, after all.
Whether you’re here for a quick swim between drives or planning to spend the whole afternoon, this is the low-key, no-frills lake access that makes Gull Lake worth the trip.
