Whether you’re a first-time visitor to northeast Minnesota or a seasoned explorer, you’re likely familiar with awe-inspiring places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Gunflint Trail, as well as the region’s vast and rugged state parks. Each of these magical places are worthy of the hype and, in my opinion, some of the most remarkable recreation lands the United States has to offer. But if you’re willing to dig a little deeper and take the path less traveled, you’ll eventually stumble into some of northeast Minnesota’s best-kept secrets.
Tucked along winding, remote roads throughout Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are five fabulous state forests. Together, these five forests tout nearly 1.6 million acres of recreational land where you can camp, paddle, hike, hunt, fish, picnic, and cross-country ski. And unlike the other wonderful places I mentioned previously, these hidden gems are lesser known and see fewer visitors.
The problem I’ve found with these lesser-known places, however, is that limited information is available, so they require a bit of an adventurous spirit. These state forests are less developed than the region’s national forest and state parks. So, rather than perusing photos on social media and downloading maps of campgrounds and trails, these sites require a bit of exploration and adventure. And I, for one, am always surprised and delighted by what I find.
I love exploring these lesser-known places, and over the last five years, I’ve built a solid understanding of these vast lands and remote places. And at the same time, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. I invite you to join me for an adventure, exploring northeast Minnesota’s State Forest. Below is an overview of my experiences and resources to help you plan your own state forest adventure.
Getting to know Minnesota’s State Forests
As I was preparing to write this story, I was surprised to find that much of Minnesota’s state forest land lies in northeast Minnesota. I shouldn’t have been surprised, however, considering the region’s density of public land. You can find a map of all of Minnesota’s state forests here.
Minnesota’s state forests are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). You can access the DNR’s state forest page here. And here you will find an A-Z list as well as a location map to help you launch your state forest journey.
The Before You Go section covers current conditions, safety, rules, fees, fire danger, and firewood restrictions. The Current Conditions page highlights closures, river levels, snow conditions, and more. The Snow Conditions page is a great tool for planning winter adventures. You can access that here.
Minnesota’s state forests have different rules than state parks and national forests. While many recreation sites have the rules posted on-site, I recommend reviewing them here before you head out. Whether you’re new to the great outdoors or a seasoned pro, the Safety page has more great tips for planning your adventure.
The Activities section offers more detailed information about the most popular forms of recreation. If you’re planning to spend the night, the Camping page is a must-visit. Here, you can download a map of all the state parks, trails, and forests. This is a useful tool for planning and to get your bearings.
Northeast Minnesota’s Fab Five
While there are more than five state forests in northeast Minnesota, these five are the largest and most developed, offering recreation sites with swimming, picnicking, camping, and designated trails. You can use the previously mentioned downloadable map and A-Z list to explore additional state forests I won’t cover here, including Lake Jeanette, Burntside, and Bear Island.
Kabetogama State Forest
The Kabetogama State Forest is the largest of northeast Minnesota’s state forests at 621,499 acres. That’s nearly three times the size of its must-see neighbor, Voyageurs National Park. The Kabetogama State Forest has four developed campgrounds, which includes the boat in only sites on Hinsdale Island in beautiful Lake Vermilion. All campsites in Minnesota’s state forests are first come first serve, making them a great alternative to the more popular state parks and national forest campgrounds that sometimes feel impossible to reserve. You can learn more about camping in Kabetogama here.
With its proximity to Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), water-based activities are the star of this state forest. Boating, paddling, swimming, and fishing are all popular activities. You’ll also find ski, nature, and hunter walking trails. You can download a detailed map of the recreational opportunities here.
Cloquet Valley State Forest
About 70 miles south of Kabetogama lies the Cloquet Valley State Forest. You would never guess this state forest is just 20 miles from Duluth. I’ve visited on weekends during the peak summer months and felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. The Indian Lake Campground and the Cloquet River State Water Trail are gems of this state forest. You can dive deeper into the Cloquet Valley State Forest here and download a map here.
Finland State Forest
Due to its proximity to the North Shore, the Finland State Forest is a bit more well-known. But don’t let that deter you from planning a visit. I recently visited the forest on a beautiful weekend in September and was surprised by how quiet each recreation site was. That said, anytime I visit first come first serve recreation sites on weekends, I always have at least two backup plans.
At more than 300,000 stunning acres, this is the most developed state forest of the fab five. Here, you’ll find three campgrounds, boat launches, hiking, skiing, and ATV trails. You can explore everything the Finland State Forest has to offer here and download a map and recreation guide here.
Pat Bayle and Grand Portage State Forests
In the furthest northeastern tip of Minnesota’s arrowhead region, you’ll find the Pat Bayle and Grand Portage state forests. The least developed of the fab five, I have wonderful memories exploring both of these state forests. But their remote ruggedness is not for everyone. Be ready for no cell service and occasionally wondering if you missed your turn. You can learn more about exploring the Pat Bayle State Forest here, and download a map and recreation guide here.
Bordered by Canada, the BWCAW, the Superior National Forest, and the Grand Portage Reservation, the Grand Portage State Forest is wild and remote. Both the Superior Hiking Trail and the Border Route Trail meander through the forest. There are a few tiny campgrounds that offer a place to spend the night. Just be sure you’re prepared to bring your own water or a filter and pack out your trash. If you enjoy solitude and roughing, this state forest is the place for you. You can learn more about the Grand Portage State Forest here and download a map and guide here.
Why Visit Northeast Minnesota’s State Forests
It’s no secret that the popularity of outdoor activities has been on the rise in recent years. This is wonderful news for our collective health and well-being and countless other reasons. But for those who prefer more quiet and solitude, many of their favorite places have started to feel a bit crowded. If you’re willing to take the path less traveled, northeast Minnesota’s state forests might offer the solitude you’re looking for. If you’re new to Minnesota state forests, be sure to review the rules and regulations before you go.
Northeast Minnesota’s state forests make a great home base or launch point for Northeast Minnesota adventures. Explore Voyageurs National Park from Kabetogama State Forest. Get to know Minnesota’s North Shore region via the Finland State Forest. Or paddle the serene waters of northeast Minnesota that surround the Pat Bayle and Grand Portage State Forests. Whichever state forest you choose, you’ll be delighted with endless adventures.
With no entrance fees, vehicle permits, and affordable camping fees, northeast Minnesota’s state forests offer some of the lowest-cost recreation the state has to offer. If you’re tired of permits, cancellation and reservation fees, Minnesota’s state forests are worth checking out.
Finally, northeast Minnesota’s state forests offer the opportunity to relax, reset, and enjoy all four seasons. Whether you enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, these state forests offer countless opportunities to get outside and soak in all the gifts nature has to offer.
The state forests of northeast Minnesota are some of the state’s best-kept secrets. With nearly 1.6 million acres, there are countless places to adventure and explore. I hope this overview has inspired you to take the path less traveled and explore these less developed and, thus, less popular recreation lands. Be sure to explore the links provided and start planning your state forest adventure.
Holly Scherer is a Minnesota-based writer, photographer, outdoorswoman, and guide. She’s most at home in the great outdoors; camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, and gardening. When she’s not on an adventure, she and her husband live in the Twin Cities where they’re fond of saying, “home is where we store our outdoor gear.”