North Long Lake Profile

By Mike Fish, Broker/Owner – Minnesota Real Estate & Management**

For years, I’ve helped buyers, sellers, and vacation-rental owners on North Long Lake—and it remains one of my personal favorite lakes in the entire Brainerd Lakes Area. After doing countless lake consultations, building dozens of short-term rentals, and closing several sales on North Long, I realized it was time to put all of this knowledge into a clear, helpful format for the many buyers who contact us from out of state or across Minnesota.

Today’s profile gives you a full picture of the lake: what it offers, where it shines, what to watch for, and why I believe North Long is one of the strongest long-term lakes in the region.

A Big Day on North Long Lake

We filmed this profile on the same day we closed what I believe to be the highest-recorded sale ever on North Long Lake—just under $2.6 million.

And here’s the wild part:
Just a month ago we closed another property on North Long for $285,000.

That’s North Long in a nutshell—incredible diversity, both in price points and property styles.

Why North Long Lake Is One of the Best Lakes to Watch

For years I’ve told folks:
North Long Lake is becoming one of the most sought-after lakes in the entire Brainerd area.

If you watched my video on The Top 15–20 Lakes in Central Minnesota, you know the market is shifting, and North Long is benefiting from buyers being priced out of Gull Lake and Round Lake while still wanting big water, strong recreation, and a phenomenal location.

The Top 15–20 Lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area for Home Value and Investment

Location: Second to None

North Long’s location is unbeatable. You’re close to:

• Baxter (shopping, groceries, essentials)

• Nisswa (restaurants, boutique shops, tourism hub)

• Crosslake (within a short drive)

• Paul Bunyan Trail (biking, walking etc.)

• Brainerd International Raceway (BIR)

• Top area golf courses (The Pines, The Preserve, Madden’s, Cragun’s)

For buyers wanting convenience and a true lake getaway, North Long checks every box.

Lake Size & Structure

North Long is large—about 6,000 acres—and almost feels like three lakes connected into one. But make no mistake: it’s one continuous lake with plenty of room for recreation.

Quick stats:

• ~6,000 acres

• ~100 ft max depth

• Strong water quality

• Multiple bays offering calmer waters

• Varied shoreline depending on section

Shoreline: Beautiful, Varied, and Important to Understand

Depending on where you look, the shoreline might include:

• Sandy swimming areas

• Rock frontage

• Areas with vegetation

• Wide-open main-lake views

• Quiet back bays

Important note:
If you plan to alter the shoreline in any way, speak with the DNR first. I’ve seen many owners surprised when the DNR denies certain shoreline improvements—North Long has specific protections and limitations depending on the area.

Get Your North Long Lake Home Value

Public Access & Amenities

North Long offers excellent access:

• Merrifield public landing

• 371 public landing

Dunmire’s (the boat club) is also located here and continues to grow in popularity—another sign North Long is trending upward as a recreational hotspot.

Fishing: One of the All-Around Best Lakes in the Area

We’ll link DNR data below, but here’s the quick version:

North Long has:

• Walleye

• Northern pike

• Bass

• Crappie

• Bluegill / sunfish

It’s a highly respected fishing lake, with great structure and plenty of room for year-round fishing—including strong ice fishing opportunities.

Recreation: Big Water, Big Fun

Because of its size and shape, North Long is ideal for:

• Tubing

• Wakeboarding

• Waterskiing

• Long pontoon rides

• Exploring different bays

• Restaurant access by boat

It has that perfect blend of big-lake feel without being overwhelming.

Seasonal Water Levels

One thing buyers need to know:

North Long’s water levels do fluctuate.
A few years ago, the lake was very low, and on the west side it became difficult to get a boat out of the bay.

This isn’t a dealbreaker—just something to be aware of depending on where you’re buying.

Short-Term Rentals: Strong Demand on North Long

Our management company has had STRs on North Long since the beginning. Despite some saturation across the region, North Long continues to perform extremely well.

Examples:

• Modest cabins netting $30k–$50k+

• A newer STR we launched in late June that grossed over $50,000 in its first two months

North Long remains a strong candidate for both personal use and rental income.

Property Variety: Something for Everyone

This lake is truly varied.
You can find:

• Luxury homes

• Modest cabins

• Seasonal cottages

• Big-water frontage

• Quiet bay properties

This flexibility gives buyers many options depending on budget, usage, and investment goals.

Septic Compliance Reminder

A common issue on North Long:

Some older homes have been expanded or remodeled without matching the septic system’s bedroom rating.

If a property claims to be 4–5 bedrooms, verify the septic is compliant for that number. This is one of the most common surprises we see.

Final Thoughts: Is North Long Lake a Good Lake to Buy On?

In my opinion: Absolutely.

North Long Lake:

• Has incredible location value

• Is large and versatile

• Offers excellent fishing

• Supports strong STR income

• Has both luxury and affordable options

• Provides year-round recreation

• Is trending upward long-term

If you’re researching lakes from out of the area, North Long should be on your shortlist. In my Top 15–20 Lakes segment, it is always in the mix.

Have Questions About North Long Lake?

My team and I have developed, sold, listed, and managed dozens of properties on this lake over the years. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or evaluating a possible vacation rental, I would love to help.

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) — LakeFinder
  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html Minnesota DNR

• North Long Lake — DNR LakeFinder Report
  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/showreport.html?downum=18037200 Minnesota DNR

• Minnesota LakeBrowser — Satellite & Water-Quality Data for Minnesota Lakes (great for water clarity, chlorophyll, CDOM data)
  https://lakes.rs.umn.edu/ lakes.rs.umn.edu

• North Long Lake Information — Lake-Link (general lake facts, maps, public reviews, fishing info)
  https://www.lake-link.com/minnesota-lakes/crow-wing-county/north-long-lake/7405/ Lake-Link+1

• North Long Lake Fishing Guide — Example Local Guide for Anglers (fish species, fishing conditions, guide services)
  https://mnwalleyeguide.com/todd-andrist/brainerd-fishing-guide/north-long-lake-fishing-guide/ mnwalleyeguide.com

Reach out anytime.
We’re here to earn your trust—and your business.