Five O'Clock Island on Rainy Lake   48-49.946  93-21.28

Rainy Lake is located on the Minnesota/ Ontario border.  Cross the border at International Falls/ Fort Frances.  Five O'Clock Island is located fifteen miles north of Fort Frances, Ontario in the heart of the north bay of Rainy Lake.  Rainy Lake is a huge lake: 227,000 acres of water with 1600 islands and 1,500 miles of shoreline to fish and explore.  The adventuresome can take the canoe or one of the kayaks and go for a paddle or even portage to other lakes off Rainy. 

Site preparation and footings were begun October 2001. 

At this time our little camp is designed to accommodate up to six people.  When the new cottage is completed we have accommodations for eight.

The south side of the island has two cottages.

The Roost (16' by 16') has a bunk bed (full top and bottom), a twin bed in a mini-loft, propane heat, a kitchen area and a table for six. 

The Roost is now usable. At this time we are using coolers and Coleman stove. 

The New Cottage pictured below will have kitchen, dining room and shower on the first level.  There are two bedrooms with a total of five beds on the second level. The construction pictures below were taken October, 2007.

The Outpost is located on the north side of the island. There are two tent platforms.

The "Northshore" has room for a 14' by 14' tent.   An eight foot deck protrudes over the lake for viewing Northern Lights and bobber watching.  Adirondack chairs and a table are on the deck. (This picture was taken when the lake was very low.  Normally the waves are lapping at the first pier. July 2003) 

The "Stage" tent platform is about 150' east of the "Northshore". The Stage is 16' by 16'. This picture was taken from the main trail looking east.  To the left of the platform a trail leads down to a landing spot and fire circle.

The "Moose" (toilet) is the outdoors, composting style typical of the North woods.     

More pictures: Island Photos

Boats available: 18' Lund Alaskan with 40hp 4-stroke outboard (for Island transport and fishing), 16' Lund Laker with a 25hp Johnson 2-stroke outboard (for Island transport and fishing), a 16' Alumarine with 15hp 4-stroke outboard (for fishing) plus a 17' canoe and two kayaks are on the Island just for fun.  The fishing boats are equipped with "fish finders".  Maps and GPSs are available.

Reservations are now being taken for 2008 and 2009 seasons.  For more information contact Mike at The Sands Volleyball Club.  (515) 255-9004.

* contact Mike Sprecher for details and availability

Fishing reports     Island Reservation Calendar      Island Photos    Island Log     Ice fishing with Carl Brown  Rainy Lake Water Level   Area History

Have in your tackle box:  Gold Shad Rap SSR with silver fin pattern (#7 early season, #8 late season), Live-bait rigs (chartreuse/orange and gold) and bottom bouncer, 1/8 OZ Blue jig - with crappie minnows early season.

In 2006 construction of a Shower House with screen porch was begun.  In 2007 things changed.  The little Shower House now has a shower room, kitchen, dining room (with mini-bar and fireplace) plus two second floor bedrooms with decks. The walls are up and the roof is on.  We are now waiting for windows and log siding.  Late 2008 the now expanded "shower house" should be ready for action. Finish work should be completed by 2009.  Click here for pictures and plans.