Three distinct environments, or biomes, are found in Minnesota - the western plains and prairies, the northern coniferous forest and the eastern hardwood forest - and all three converge in the state's North Central/West region. Deep pine forests and wilderness lakes merge into farmland and rolling hills with
... more aspen, birch and maple. In this "Land of 10,000 Lakes," this region has some amazing examples. Alexandria Lakes area is one of the prime resort spots in the state, offering great fishing for walleye, bass, northern pike and panfish. Along the Canadian border, the expansive waters of Lake of the Woods includes 65,000 miles of shoreline, 14,000 islands and a 55-mile width, with some of the best walleye and northern pike fishing around. Lake of the Woods is also popular for boating, camping, hunting and wildlife watching. To the northeast lies the beautiful shorelines of Lake Superior and the wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, with more than a thousand lakes and streams with pine forests and stony cliffs. Most of the lakes are "paddle-only," a canoer's paradise. Prairie land and more lakes dot the southern part of the state, and the Minnesota River and Mississippi River flow through valleys with charming river towns.
