WATER ADVENTURES
The Brainerd Lakes Area Can Offer Water Adventures of All Kinds
BY RACHEL M . ANDERSON , EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
There are 450 lakes of all shapes and sizes in the Brainerd Lakes area , which means there are opportunities for a water adventure pretty much everywhere you turn .
Whether you want to kick back on a lazy river and float the day away , or seek heart-stopping adventure , you ’ ve come to the right place . Here are a few ideas for possible water adventures to go on during your trip Up North .
Go Scuba Diving in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area ’ s Mine Pits
Most people associate scuba diving with the ocean , but thanks to the region ’ s unique geography — namely the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area ’ s Mine Pits — you can do it in Central Minnesota , too .
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There are 27 bodies of water in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area ranging in depth from 50 to 530 feet deep . The pits were dug by iron miners between 1911 and 1984 . Over time , the pits have filled up with water sourced from both above and underground .
The lakes feature crystal-clear water and lots of fish . The DNR has stocked bass , sunnies and Northern Pike in the lakes ; but fish aren ’ t all divers can see in the lakes .
“ We have over 50 dive sites established where you can see remnants of the mining days ,” said Todd Matthies , owner and master instructor at the Minnesota School of Diving . “ There are mine shafts , railroad tracks and building structures . There are also cars and trucks that people have stolen and dropped in the pits . Plus , a lot of trees that have grown up along the sides of these mines .”
Matthies has been running the Minnesota School of Diving since 1989 . That ’ s when he took over the now 65-year-old business from his father . “ We are one of the oldest diving schools in the world ,” said Matthies .
The Minnesota School of Diving has been taking people into the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area ’ s mine pits for diving adventures for decades . Before they head out , divers must be certified .
Getting certified involves classroom work , pool work and open water dives . The classroom and pool work is done onsite at The Minnesota School of Diving ’ s Brainerd location in a single weekend .