GEOGRAPHY LESSON

Walker is on the southwestern shore of Leech Lake, which has a surface area of 112,000 acres and is Minnesota's third largest inland lake. With its irregular shape and many large and small bays, some people say the lake looks like a hand on the map. While most of the lake is less than 35 feet deep, Walker Bay, right off the shore of the city, is the deepest at about 150 feet.

Located in the Chippewa National Forest and Leech Lake Indian Reservation, Leech Lake is exalted today for its walleye, northern pike, muskellunge and yellow perch fishing. However, it wasn't too long ago that a person could barely catch a fish there. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fish-eating cormorants (black diving birds) nesting on Leech Lake increased from 73 pairs in 1998 to 2,524 pairs in 2004. Since the cormorant population has been controlled and the lake stocked with fish, anglers are in the gold again.

GETTING THERE

Walker is about 190 miles from Minneapolis. While there are several ways to get there, many people like to stop in the Brainerd and Baxter area during the 3 1/2-hour drive north. Why? Water parks abound, shopping and dining are plentiful, and of course there's always the Brainerd International Raceway (hosting drag racing Sept. 3-5; 1-866-444-4455; www. brainerdraceway.com). To use this route, which also will bring you along the shore of Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota's second largest lake, take Interstate 94 west, Hwy. 101 north toward Elk River, then Hwy. 169 north for about 76 miles. Shortly after the town of Garrison, take Hwy. 18 west into Brainerd, then Hwy. 371 north all the way to Walker.

CHECKING IN

Walker has a host of lodging options, from campgrounds to cottage rentals to resorts; check with the Leech Lake Area Tourism Bureau at www.leechlake.org for information. Among the resorts, Chase on the Lake is on the National Register of Historic Places (1-218-547-7777; www.chase onthelake.com).

DINING

Walker boasts plenty of restaurants. The Boulders (1-218-547-1006; www. thebouldersrestaurant.com) is a finer dining experience that offers special pricing for seniors 5-5:30 p.m. daily. The Ranch House Supper Club (1-218-547-1540; www.ranchhouse supperclub.com) makes a popular popover and offers at least one all-you-can-eat special daily. As for pizza, campers talk about the Minnesota Island pizza at Benson's (1-218-547-1896; www.bensonsemporium.com), which has video games and pool.

MORE INFORMATION

Leech Lake Area Tourism Bureau: www.leechlake.org or 1-800-735-3297.