hardy lake

Hardy Lake is an “undiscovered gem “in the lakes area of central Minnesota. Located on the quiet side of Brainerd, Hardy Lake is tucked away in the rolling hills and pine forests that surround the land where the Crow Wing River meets the Mississippi.

DNR Lake Survey

Hardy Lake is small enough to offer vacationers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, where canoe paddlers and small sailboat operators can enjoy calm waters, rarely bothered by larger boats and waves that threaten more congested lakes.
On the other hand, this lake is quite adequate in size to be welcoming to those who wish to pull skiers and / or tubes behind their watercraft. With Shady Hollow Resort the only resort and only boat access on the lake, the traffic on the lake is considerably quiet on most days.

For the fishermen, young and old, Hardy Lake is, again, an undiscovered gem. Pan fish galore inhabit the warm shallows, to the delight of children fishing from the docks as well as those in boats in the open areas. With a considerable amount of natural shoreline and emergent vegetation, Hardy is also home to Largemouth Bass, Crappie and Northern.

From May to September the lake is enjoyable to swimmers. The clean, clear water warms up quickly each spring, and yet is still refreshing for a cool mid-day swim in August.

Swimmers and boaters alike will discover abundant wild life on the shorelines, hills, and woods surrounding Hardy Lake, as well as in the pristine blue skies overhead. Whitetail Deer frequent the yards and shoreline areas…sometimes seen standing in the shallows along a quiet shore, enjoying a cool drink. Muskrat and beaver go about their chores as well, usually more active in the early morning hours. Turtles are a common sight, basking in the warm sun or searching for a meal among the lily pads.

Overhead, the sky offers an array of sights all day long. Bald Eagles majestically soaring, Osprey that nest within sight, and swooping down to snatch a fish from the water…to the delight of those lucky enough to witness the moment. Ducks, geese and hawks are plentiful, as well as various migratory species in the spring and fall.

In a nutshell, Hardy is a peaceful, unspoiled, calm-watered lake with much to offer those who seek a restful, natural environment, and those who enjoy an open-water area suitable for boating, skiing and tubing.

NEW LIFE JACKET LAW Effective May 2005:All children under 10 years of age must wear a life jacket in the boat. We recommend you have your small children try on the jacket BEFORE you arrive, have them wear it around the house to get used to it so when you go boating they will feel comfortable having it on and you will have a pleasant vacation.

Sorry, no jet skis.