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Goin' To The Lake: Emily (Day 1)

EMILY, Minn. (WCCO) -- Many Minnesotans don't need an airplane to get away. Instead, they hop in the car and head to the lakes.

We're sharing some of Minnesota's best getaways this summer with our Goin' To The Lakes tour. This week, Liz Collin and Chris Shaffer are in Emily!

Welcome To Emily

Finding a lake to enjoy up in this area is a pretty easy task. There are a number of lakes, small and large, in Emily and the surrounding areas. The three most well known lakes are all named after girls, Lake Emily, Lake Mary and Ruth Lake. Lake Emily is known for being a great fishing lake, but if you're looking to boat or swim you may want to head to Ruth Lake.

See More: Goin' To The Lake - Emily (Day 2)

If you're looking for a good photo op while you're in town, just head over the city park, where you'll find Willy the Walleye. The wooden statue is a popular spot for visitors. The Park is also the host site for Emily Day, the city's big summer celebration that will take place this Saturday.

Emily Resorts

When it comes to enjoying the lakes up here in Emily, Resorts and Cabins are king, and we found two great family-run resorts perfect for a weekend or week at the lake.

Family is at the very core of Angell's Hideaway in Emily -- Stacy Angell and her family bought it a few years ago. The five cabins sit right on the shores of Dahler lake, but that's not the only attraction.

The fishing is just as good up the road at Lake Emily Resort, but don't tell anyone! Eric and Tami Froidcoeur left Illinois 15 years ago to make a life in Emily. Tami convinced her husband to buy the resort, and the couple has been helping others live their Minnesota dream every summer since.

Emily Food Shelf And Community Garden

One great example of how the local community comes together to get things done is the local food shelf and the community garden they've built behind it.

This is the second year the garden has been planted. It's not just veggies -- you'll also find flowers planted with bees and butterflys in mind. All of it is right behind the local food shelf which helps anyone who needs it. And they have more than food -- they also provide cleaning and hygiene products.

The Landing

Emily is just one of the lake communities in this area of Minnesota. There are 4 others within just a few miles and you might be surprised to see just how many talented people live in this part of the state. Now, at project in Emily is aimed at showing off everything this area has to offer.

The Landing Welcome Center and Marketplace is the dream child of Mary De Hanson, Jan Mosman (moss-men) and Cindy Miller. Their focus is on locally crafted, handmade, artisan goods. It's a spot to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone.

The shop just opened about two months ago, and also hosts classes on art, gardening, creative well-being, nutrition and more.

ATV Trails

Lots of you told us we had to check out Emily's ATV trails. With a little help Chris and I rose to the challenge. Liz and Chris started at Granny's bar and grill just north of town off Highway 6 and geared up for a muddy ride.

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Links:

Angell's Hideaway Resort
Lake Emily Resort
The Landing Welcome Center and Marketplace
ATV Trails Map

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