Rainy River Wayside offers walking trails and carry-in watercraft access!
Rainy River Wayside offers walking trails and carry-in watercraft access!
The West Rat Root River Peatland Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is a pristine example of the state's unique peatland ecosystems.
The West Rat Root River Peatland Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is a pristine example of the state’s unique peatland ecosystems. This protected area is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and offers a glimpse into a rare and delicate environment that supports a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Peatlands are wetlands with a thick waterlogged organic soil layer (peat) made up of dead and decaying plant material. The West Rat Root River Peatland SNA is characterized by its extensive bogs and fens, which... Read more
Little American Falls is a hidden gem that offers a perfect day trip or camping trip for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
In the serene wilderness of South Koochiching County, Little American Falls is a hidden gem that offers a perfect day trip or camping trip for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. This charming waterfall is part of the Big Fork River, a waterway renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
The journey to Little American Falls is an adventure in itself. Paddlers can follow a scenic route that takes them through lush forests and along winding rivers. The hiking trail is particularly stunning in the spring, when the water... Read more
The Lost 40, located in Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest, is a rare remnant of old-growth forest that was spared from logging due to a surveying error in 1882. Today, this 114-acre area stands as a critical habitat for diverse wildlife and a living testament to the region’s ecological history.
The Lost 40, located in the Chippewa National Forest, is a pristine example of Minnesota’s old-growth pine forest. This area remained untouched by logging operations, which decimated much of the region’s original forests, due to a surveying error in 1882. The surveyor, Josiah A. King, mistakenly plotted Coddington Lake about half a mile further northwest than its actual location. As a result, the 114-acre area known today as the Lost 40 was never logged, preserving a rare stand of virgin red and white pine trees.
A Snapshot of the Past
The Lost 40 is home to some of the... Read more
Enjoy the beauty of Tilson Bay with its public water access, bogwalk, and hiking/skiing trails!
Tilson Bay is a hot spot for nature lovers and fishermen. The area includes hiking trails, cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails, a bogwalk, a fishing pier, and a public boat landing!
Tilson Bay’s bogwalk is a half-mile long walkway takes you through a fascinating bog ecosystem that supports a variety of plants and animals. You will see the distinctive tamarack trees, which shed their needles every fall, and the carnivorous plants that trap insects with their sticky leaves. You will also experience the sensation of walking on a floating sidewalk, as the walkway is made from boards that rest... Read more
Voyageurs National Park is renowned for its pristine lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife!
Voyagers National Park (VNP) is a stunning natural reserve located in northern Minnesota. This park is renowned for its pristine lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife, and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a recreational adventurer, or simply seeking to enjoy the scenery, VNP is a destination worth exploring.
Established in 1975, Voyagers National Park spans over 218,000 acres and encompasses four major lakes: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. These interconnected lakes form a vast water-based wilderness area that attracts boating, fishing, and kayaking enthusiasts... Read more
Ash River Campground offers campsites, river access, and more!
At Ash River Campground each site has a picnic table, fire ring, toilet access, and seasonal drinking water. First come, first served!
The Vermilion River stretches 42 miles northward from Lake Vermilion to Crane Lake, meandering through the Kabetogama State Forest!
Stretching approximately 40 miles from Lake Vermilion to Crane Lake, the Vermilion River flows generally northward through the Kabetogama State Forest. Along this path, paddlers are surrounded by forests of pine, spruce, fir, aspen, and birch, with scenic stretches of exposed bedrock and bluffs. The most developed areas along the river are near Vermilion and Crane Lakes and the town of Buyck.
With limited access points and a variety of rapids, the Vermilion River is best suited to experienced paddlers. Gradual water level changes... Read more
The Little Fork State River Water Trail offers a beautiful paddling experience with wildlife spotting, bird watching and fishing!
Flowing north to join the Rainy River, the Little Fork River takes its name from its role as the smaller of the two rivers that converge at Rainy Rapids. This river, with its combination of calm stretches and intermittent rapids, offers a unique paddling experience. The Ojibwe people originally named it “the river separating canoe routes,” due to its proximity to the Nett River.
The Little Fork State River Water Trail provides paddlers with scenic views and the chance to spot... Read more
Big Fork River flows north through a landscape of pine, spruce, fir, cedar, aspen, and birch forests to Rainy River!
The Big Fork River winds north through a rich landscape of pine, spruce, fir, cedar, aspen, and birch forests until it joins the Rainy River. Along its path, the towns of Bigfork and Big Falls serve as the main developed areas, offering convenient points for river access.
Anglers will find excellent fishing opportunities along the Big Fork, with species like walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass plentiful in its waters. The river is also a haven for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings... Read more
Smokey Bear State Forest is nestled in northern Minnesota’s Koochiching County, covering 12,276 acres. Located near the mouth of the Big Fork River, just south of the Canada border!
This northern forest is named after the iconic figure Smokey Bear, symbolizing wildfire prevention and forest conservation—a fitting namesake for this scenic and ecologically significant area. Smokey Bear State Forest spans across 12,276 acres. This vast, scenic area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
In the warmer months, visitors enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing in the forest’s rivers and lakes. During winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing offer unique ways to experience the snowy landscape.
The forest... Read more
