Amid the towering pines in northwest Minnesota, along Highway 200 near Bagley, Long Lake Park is a popular place for scuba divers and fans of the deep woods. At the turn of the century, logging companies used Long Lake as a holding area for logs before loading them onto railcars. The logs were loaded at the northwest end of the lake where today visitors will find the boat ramp and picnic areas. The remains of the railroad trestle are still visible at the lake’s southeast end. Sunken logs, boats and other treasures can be explored. The lake is part of a 53-acre park with several amenities to serve visitors, including scuba equipment rentals. The lake is 5 miles from Itasca State Park.

Depths to: 80 feet (24 m)

Visibility: Clear enough that fishermen can see fish bite.

Aquatic life: Includes trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, sunfish, crappie.

Fees: Daily camping rates are $16-$22.

On-site amenities: Campsites, tent sites, RV sites, grocery/supply store/laundry facilities, beach, picnic shelter, fire pits, hiking trail, fishing boats, playground, horseshoe pits, basketball court, volleyball courts, paddleboats.

More info: Visit www.longlakepark.com or call (218) 657-2275.

Open: The campground is open mid-May through mid-September, with limited services in the fall, and closed in the winter and early spring. It all depends on the weather, so call ahead.

Getting there: A map and driving directions are available at www.longlakepark.com.