Tucked just inland from the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, Finland State Forest spans nearly 312,000 acres of rugged northeastern Minnesota, with quiet campgrounds, trout streams, hiking trails, and miles of forest roads to explore. Less familiar than the popular state parks but no less wild, the forest offers a chance to experience the region’s rocky ridges, wetlands, rivers, and boreal woods.
A forest of possibilities
There are numerous ways for people to enjoy Finland State Forest. Visitors can choose from developed campgrounds or find a dispersed campsite, well off the beaten path. Explore and fish one of the many trout streams or lakes. Streams support brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Developed campgrounds include Eckbeck Campground and Day Use Area, Finland Campground and Day Use Area, and the Sullivan Lake Campground.
A section of the Superior Hiking Trail bisects the Finland State Forest. Along the trail, there are remote backcountry campsites that are first-come, first-served. It’s one of Minnesota’s most scenic hiking trails for long-distance backpackers or day hikers. The trail begins at the eastern border of Minnesota and Wisconsin and winds 310 miles north to the Canadian border. Bring a day pack, water, and lunch. You’re not likely to see many others on the trail!
If you’re interested in exploring the unique plants and wildlife found in a bog, check out the Woodland Caribou Trail in the northwestern corner of the state forest. This remote trail winds through and around the Sand Lake Peatland area. Be sure to ask about conditions before hiking, as the trail is minimally maintained and may be inaccessible. Otherwise, take a boat and head out to fish or paddle the deep, cool waters of nearby Sand and Greenwood Lakes.
Looking to cover more ground? The state forest has roughly 30 miles of snowmobile and ATV trails. Stop and take a break at one of the picnic areas or shelters along the way. Amenities along motorized routes include toilets and campgrounds.
A part of the wild and remote C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail goes through the forest. This 146-mile trail is shared by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and, where designated, snowmobilers and ATV riders.
In the winter, there’s plenty to see and do, too. Cross-country ski on the Silver Bay/Northwoods Ski Trail. Or, strap on a pair of snowshoes and head down a multi-use trail or create your own path into the woods.
Two state parks are on the southeastern edges of the state forest. Explore some of the waterfalls tucked in within the old-growth pines of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. There you’ll find heart-pumping trails that lead to dramatic views of Lake Superior. All of the isolated campsites in the park are backpack-only. Unique geology formed long ago by glaciers created the Manitou River, which carved the impressive gorge you see there today.
Just south of there lies Tettegouche State Park. This park is known for its high inland and Lake Superior cliffs and stunning waterfalls. You can find some of the best views along the North Shore at Palisade Head and Shovel Point. On a clear day, you can see the toothy ridges of the Sawtooth Mountains to the north. Take time to hike down to the Baptism River and skip rocks into Lake Superior.
A landscape steeped in time
Finland State Forest in northeastern Minnesota is a region shaped by ancient volcanoes and the powerful forces of glaciers. Its rugged landscape still shows the impact of these events. Large rock outcrops, cliffs, and river gorges cut through the area. Adventurous visitors can reach some of these features by using challenging trails that lead to beautiful overlooks. Although the forest is dotted with numerous streams and lakes, the primary watershed is the Baptism River, which flows southeast and eventually empties into Lake Superior.
The forest is a dense mix of hardwoods and conifers, including aspen, birch, balsam fir, spruce, and red pine. Near the northwestern edge of the forest is the Sand Lake Peatland, a Scientific Natural Area that hosts unique and rare plant species. The mix of hardwoods and conifers provides habitat for some of Minnesota’s largest animals, including black bears and moose.
It’s a quiet destination for outdoor recreation, with few roads and plenty of wild country. Anglers come for its trout streams, campers for its cool, quiet lakes, and hunters for grouse among the colorful fall foliage. Photographers come for the gorgeous scenery, seeking to capture shots of wildlife. The state forest is located about 10 miles northeast of the popular North Shore and Highway 61.
History of Finland State Forest
Originally, the region was a place where Indigenous people lived and still do to this day. The forest provided a wide variety of plants and animals. They hunted, fished, and adapted their lives to the varied seasons. It is now considered the traditional homeland of the Ojibwe (Chippewa), who maintain deep connections to the region.
Europeans, however, settled in the rugged region later than most other areas of the state. In the late 1800’s farms began to pop up. Many Finnish Americans developed homesteads, and the state park takes its name from them. In 1907, the Alger-Smith Logging Company came in. Crews built railroads to transport lumber to other regions of the country. The industry provided plentiful work, and as a result, loggers heavily harvested the area, as they did in much of northern Minnesota.
The state formally established the forest in 1933 to restore areas impacted by cutover. It became al site for conservation projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a federal relief program that created jobs for unemployed men during the Great Depression.
Because of these changes in forest management and conservation practices, the woods are once again dense. Timber is still harvested for lumber and pulp, but in ways that promote renewal and sustainability. Habitats continue to be restored. Crews come and plant seeds and seedlings each season.
What’s changed in 2026
Recently, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) made improvements along the Stony River Grade State Forest Road. Crews replaced three pipe culverts with new arch culverts designed to handle high water flows. Intense rainstorms in recent years had damaged parts of the road, limiting access. The new culverts also allow fish and other wildlife to pass through unobstructed.
While much of the state forest is open to recreation, there are some rules you should know before you go. You can find them, along with more information, on the DNR website.
The Finland State Forest is primarily state-owned and managed by the DNR, although private lands and other ownerships occur within or adjacent to the forest.
More info:
- Finland, Minnesota
- Findland State Forest Trail Map – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Finland State Forest – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources