The village of Walker was founded on March 10, 1896, shortly after the railroad came from Brainerd to Walker. Cass County was one ten counties created out to the Minnesota Territory on May 1, 1851. The county was named after Governor Lewis Cass, of the Michigan Territory. Cass along with Schoolcraft, led the famous expedition of 40 men to discover the true source of the Mississippi River in 1820.
The annual Eelpout Festival calls this city its home. This three day festival in February pays homage to one of the tastiest (if not ugliest) in this region with fishing contests, auto races, and rugby matches, all held on ice.
Coburn's Leech Lake Cruises offers a nice relaxing way to enjoy Leech lake with cruises offered three times daily complete with a full bar, some light dining fair, and scenic views of the lake and surrounding woods that you won't soon forget.
The Shingobee Recreation Area about six miles southwest of Walker highlights one of the most geologically unique regions. The Shingobee River valley is believed to have been created by the cataclysmic collapse of the giant glacier that covered and created Leech Lake (Minnesota's third largest lake) 10,000 years ago. Known locally as "The Little Grand Canyon" it is characterized by deep glacial moraine, virgin white and red pine forests, land faults, a diversity of animal and plant life, plus a wealth of hiking trails and nature areas. It was also the home of one of Minnesota's first downhill ski areas in the 1930's.
Fans of classic rock won't want to miss the Moondance Jam in July. This annual four day festival started out as a small promotion for a local riding stable and has since become the largest summer concert event in Minnesota. Rock legends such as The Guess Who, Starship, Steppenwolf, and ZZ Top have graced the Moondance stage along with up and coming talent from the surrounding area. So come and visit for a day or haul out the tent or RV and stay on the grounds for your own rocking after party.
