One of the best parts of Camp Foley is our beautiful waterfront on Lower Whitefish Lake in Pine River, Minnesota. Whether you’re swimming, canoeing, or fishing off the dock, the lake is full of amazing wildlife that makes summer at camp even more special. Here are five animals you might spot in the water this summer!
1. Common Loon
Nothing says “Minnesota summer” like the haunting call of a common loon echoing across the lake. These diving birds are expert fishers, often disappearing underwater for long stretches before popping up far from where they started. Campers might see loons while sailing or paddling a canoe—just be sure to admire them from a distance! Fun fact: baby loons ride on their parents’ backs when they’re young, just like how younger campers sometimes “hitch a ride” during buddy swims.
A loon sighted during our Excursion with the National Loon Center in Crosslake
2. Painted Turtle
If you’ve ever been on a canoe trip and noticed a turtle sunbathing on a log, chances are it was a painted turtle. These little reptiles love warm, sunny days just like campers do. They spend their summers swimming in the shallows, looking for small fish and insects to snack on. Keep an eye out for them near the shoreline—just don’t expect them to stay put for long if they see you coming!
Campers after a successful turtle hunt!
3. Northern Pike
Campers who love fishing at Foley know all about northern pike—these sleek, torpedo-shaped fish are some of the biggest and fiercest predators in the lake. They love to lurk in weedy areas, waiting to ambush smaller fish. If you’re out on a fishing trip, reeling in a pike is always an exciting challenge. But don’t worry, pike aren’t interested in swimmers—just fish that didn’t swim fast enough.
A successful catch!
4. Bullfrog
Ever heard a deep, rumbling “jug-o-rum” sound coming from the reeds? That’s the call of the American bullfrog, the loudest amphibian at Camp Foley. Bullfrogs love hanging out near the shore and are expert jumpers—kind of like campers during a game of Gaga Ball. If you’re lucky, you might spot one near the dock during an evening campfire, adding its own music to the night.
5. Crayfish (Crawfish, Crawdad, Mini-Lobster?)
Crayfish are like the tiny lobsters of the lake, scuttling along the sandy bottom looking for food. If you’ve ever flipped over a rock while wading in the shallows, you might have seen one waving its tiny claws at you. These little guys are harmless, but they’re always fun to find—just like the unexpected surprises that make camp so special.
Lower Whitefish Lake is full of wildlife that makes summer at Camp Foley even more exciting. Whether you’re listening to the loons, spotting turtles, or fishing for a big northern pike, every day on the water is an adventure. Keep your eyes open this summer—you never know what lake creature you might meet next!