65 or 73?

So we’ll be coming up from southern Minnesota in mid July to Ash Trail Lodge on Kab/Nam. I’m wondering which road would be better and more scenic once we get “up north”…..Hwy 65 or Hwy 73? I know we could get up there much, much faster on I35, but we’re not looking for speed and efficiency. We are looking for scenery and that “up north” drive and feel.

So, these are our two options. If i could get input on which route is better and more scenic, I’d really appreciate it! BTW…will be coming from central Sibley County.

Thanks!!!!

Stick with highway 73 until you hit the iron range. After that don’t swat too far from highway 53.
We took highway 65 once north of Orr and didn’t see a car for a 1/2 hour straight. It’s a desolate road. Probably no cell coverage either.
Stick to the highways that have some traffic in case the need arises that you’d need help.

Ya stay off of 73 from Chisholm to 53, it’s brutal. 65 to 169 to Iron Mountain then North on 53 is a nice route.

Thanks for the info! We’ll be 3 rigs traveling up, so I think we’ll take 65 north to 1, then east on 1 over to 73 and then north for the couple miles on 73 to 53. Hopefully it’ll be a nice drive.

We are staying at the Ash Trail Lodge. It looks like about a 3.5mi boat ride before even exiting the narrows and into the lake. Anybody know how long it’ll take to get from the lodge, through the river, through Sullivan Bay, and through the narrows to the lake? Looks like a number of rocks to dodge through the river and the bay as well.

Nothing to worry about rock wise. Stay between the buoys and you are good.

10+ minutes from ATL to the end of no wake. 5-10 through Sullivans Bay and the narrow depending on motor sizes.

30 minutes MAX end to end.

Have fun.

Thanks Dutch! We’re getting excited to get up there and give it a whirl. I’ve been reading up on a bunch of stuff trying to gather info and put a game plan together.

Sounds like the lake is pretty populated this year for obvious reasons. We’ll have to see. I might focus more on Namakan just to try and get farther away from the traffic if that’s even possible.

Also, I noticed the flashy icon on my screen and if you’re around this evening I’ll give a jingle.

Thanks!