Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇨🇦 Sprague, MB
🇺🇸 Warroad, MN
Coordinates
48.90°N, 95.32°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wait Times
15-45 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Warroad (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps
Safety Information
Generally safe, lake area
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Sprague, MB & Warroad, MN
A Crossing in the Lake of the Woods
The border crossing connecting the town of Warroad, Minnesota, with the area near Sprague, Manitoba, is a journey into the heart of the vast and beautiful Lake of the Woods region. This is a major regional checkpoint, a 24/7 facility that serves as a vital link for tourism, recreation, and local industry. To cross here is to travel through a landscape of dense boreal forest, countless lakes, and a history that is deeply connected to the natural resources of this remote and beautiful part of the continent. It is a crossing that is a gateway to adventure, a passage into a paradise for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation, but also a crucial link for a unique American geographical anomaly.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Roseau County, Minnesota, with the Rural Municipality of Piney in Manitoba. It is a major regional crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is modern and designed to handle a significant volume of traffic, particularly the recreational traffic of boaters and anglers in the summer, and snowmobilers in the winter. The crossing is also important for the local timber and agricultural industries. It is the most significant crossing in this part of the border between the major corridors at Pembina and International Falls, making it a key artery for the regional economy.
A History of a Peaceful Frontier and a Geographic Anomaly
The history of this region is the history of the settlement of the North Woods. For centuries, this was the land of the First Nations. In the 19th century, the border was established. The area was settled by European immigrants, who developed the logging and farming industries. The border has been overwhelmingly peaceful. This crossing is also a key part of the story of the “Northwest Angle,” the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. Due to a quirk in the treaty that established the border, this small piece of US territory is completely separated from the rest of the US by the Lake of the Woods. To drive to the Angle from the rest of the US, you must enter Canada at this crossing (or a nearby one), drive for about an hour through Manitoba, and then re-enter the US at a small, remote checkpoint. This geographical quirk makes the Warroad-Sprague crossing a vital link for the residents of the Angle.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a professional and efficient process. You will approach a single, primary inspection booth for the country you are entering. You will need a valid passport or other approved travel document (such as a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver’s License). The border officer will ask you a series of questions about your citizenship, your destination, the purpose of your trip, and what goods you are bringing with you. Be prepared to declare all items, especially any fishing bait, as there are strict regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species. The process is generally straightforward and courteous, and the officers are accustomed to the mix of local, commercial, and tourist traffic.
The Surrounding Region: United States Side
On the US side, the crossing is in the town of Warroad. Warroad is known as “Hockeytown USA” and is famous for producing a remarkable number of Olympic and professional hockey players, a testament to the town’s passion for the sport. It is also the home of Marvin Windows and Doors, a major manufacturer and the town’s largest employer. The town is situated on the southern shore of the massive Lake of the Woods, a legendary destination for walleye fishing, with both open-water fishing in the summer and a huge ice-fishing industry in the winter. The area is a hub for tourism and recreation, with numerous resorts and lodges.
The Surrounding Region: Canada Side
On the Canadian side, the crossing is near the village of Sprague. The area is part of the vast boreal forest that stretches across Canada. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous lakes and forests offering opportunities for fishing, hunting, and camping. The Northwest Angle Provincial Forest and the Moose Creek Provincial Park are in this region. The crossing is the gateway to the Canadian part of Lake of the Woods, which is dotted with thousands of islands and is a world-famous boating and fishing destination. The road from the border leads towards the city of Steinbach, a major center of the Mennonite community in Manitoba, and the provincial capital, Winnipeg.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The main road is well-maintained. The official currencies are the US Dollar (USD) in the United States and the Canadian Dollar (CAD) in Canada. Services are available in the towns on both sides of the border. Be aware of the customs limits for goods, particularly alcohol, tobacco, and any fish you have caught, as there are strict regulations. If you are traveling with a boat, ensure you have all the necessary documentation. The weather in this region can be extreme, with very cold winters and the potential for blizzards.
Final Considerations
The Warroad–Sprague border crossing is a journey into the heart of the North Woods. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that is a vital link for the tourist and resource-based economies of the Lake of the Woods region. It is a passage through a landscape of immense natural beauty. For the traveler, it offers a straightforward and professional experience, a testament to the peaceful and cooperative relationship that defines the world’s longest undefended border. It is a crossing that is a gateway to adventure, a starting point for exploring the vast and beautiful wilderness of the northern frontier.