Minnesota's Northwest Angle: A Unique Slice of America
Minnesota's Northwest Angle, often referred to simply as “the Angle,” is a remote and fascinating geographical anomaly located on the northern side of Lake of the Woods, forming a protrusion known as a “chimney” on maps. Covering an area of 596.3 square miles, with a significant portion being water, it stands as the northernmost point of the contiguous 48 states. The Angle exists within Angle Township and Lake of the Woods County, bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. One of its distinctive features is the presence of reefs, which create a one-of-a-kind fishing experience for visitors.
Various Routes to Reach the Northwest Angle
Travelers have several options to reach the Northwest Angle, each with its unique characteristics and considerations.
1. Driving to the Northwest Angle:
- To access the Angle by car, you typically drive through Canada for approximately 40 miles before re-entering the United States at the Angle. This results from the Angle being one of the few exclaves along the U.S.-Canada border.
- Travelers crossing the border at Warroad or Roseau will undergo brief checks by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure identity and residency documentation compliance.
- The route takes you through picturesque parts of Manitoba, offering stunning scenery and abundant wildlife sightings.
- Upon re-entering the U.S. at the Northwest Angle, you'll need to check in with U.S. Customs. While it's an unmanned border, compliance with U.S. Customs procedures is essential.
2. Directions to the Angle When Driving from Warroad or Roseau:
- From Warroad, you'll take MN-313 N into Manitoba, Canada, and then re-enter Minnesota through MB-525 E (Co Rd 330 Angle Road NW).
- From Roseau, you'll follow HWY 310 into Manitoba, Canada, before re-entering Minnesota via MB-525 E (Co Rd 330 Angle Road NW).
3. Taking the Lake (Avoiding Customs):
- An alternative route is to travel across Lake of the Woods, which keeps you within Minnesota and avoids border crossings.
- Options include chartering a boat, using your own large boat, flying (particularly during winter), or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service's bombardier service or snowmobile trails in winter.
Recreational Opportunities in Canada while Staying at the Angle
Many visitors to the Northwest Angle choose to stay at the various resorts available and enjoy fishing in Canadian waters. Fishing on the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods, adjacent to the Angle, provides access to thousands of islands and world-class fishing with minimal boat traffic. Importantly, travelers who cross into Canada by boat without touching land, another boat, or engaging in exchanges do not need to clear customs when entering or exiting Canada.
However, if you plan to touch land, dock, interact with another boat, anchor, moor, or exchange goods or services in Canada, you must contact CBSA for approval before entering Canada. Travelers returning to the U.S. after touching land in Canada must check in with U.S. Customs at designated ROAM check-in stations, resort iPads, or the mobile ROAM app.
During the winter months, when ice travel is common for activities such as snowmobiling or ice fishing, travelers must adhere to the same customs procedures as if they were on land, including checking in with CBSA before entering Canada and checking back in with U.S. Customs upon returning to the U.S.
The Quirky History of the Northwest Angle
The Northwest Angle's unique shape and location have a fascinating history that sets it apart from the rest of the United States.
- Originally, this area was not intended to be part of the United States. The U.S.-Canada border was determined based on an inaccurate map of Lake of the Woods, which depicted the lake as having a regular shape. The border was meant to run through the northwestern tip of the lake, but because of its irregular shape, it led to decades of diplomatic negotiations to define the border with Canada. - In 1842, the current U.S.-Canada border along the 49th parallel was officially established. However, the provision regarding the border running through the northwestern tip of Lake of the Woods was retained, creating the unique “inlet” now known as the Northwest Angle. - Canada attempted to purchase this territory multiple times, but the United States declined, despite its limited economic significance.
Life in the Northwest Angle
The Northwest Angle is a remote and sparsely populated area with its own set of peculiarities:
- Access to the Angle is primarily by air or boat, with a dirt road from Canada being an option during certain times. - Border regulations are not as strict as at other international crossings, but visitors are still required to make declarations to U.S. Customs upon entry. - The Angle covers an expansive 600 square miles and is home to only 119 permanent residents. - The town lacks paved roads and is mostly covered by dense forests. - Visitors to the Northwest Angle can choose from a few lakeside resorts that cater to the limited number of tourists who venture to this remote corner of America.
In conclusion, Minnesota's Northwest Angle is a truly unique and remote destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, unusual geography, and recreational opportunities. Its history, shaped by border disputes and geographical quirks, adds to its intrigue. Whether arriving by road, water, or air, visitors to the Northwest Angle are treated to an unforgettable experience in one of the most remote corners of the contiguous United States.