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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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Minnesota
Heartland Region
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest
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MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS STATE FOREST
MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS STATE FOREST
The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest in Minnesota encompasses a stunning landscape where the mighty Mississippi River begins its journey. This vast forest is characterized by its abundance of towering pine and hardwood trees, tranquil lakes, and winding rivers. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a myriad of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The state forest not only provides a picturesque backdrop for exploration, but also serves as an important habitat for numerous wildlife species, including deer, bear, wolves, and migratory birds. With its pristine wilderness and unparalleled beauty, the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest offers a serene and captivating escape for those seeking to embrace the natural wonders of Minnesota.
History of the Area
The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is located in northern Minnesota, encompassing parts of Beltrami, Clearwater, and Hubbard counties. It is situated near the town of Cass Lake and covers an area of approximately 6,833 acres.

The history of the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest goes back to the early 20th century when the region was extensively logged by timber companies. Sawmills were established in the area to process the timber, with much of the wood being used for construction and fuel. The logging operations caused considerable disruption to the forest ecosystem and had a significant impact on the local wildlife populations.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was active in the region as part of the New Deal program initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide employment during the Great Depression. The CCC workers were involved in reforestation efforts, building roads, and creating recreational facilities within the forest.

Following the end of the logging era, the state of Minnesota began acquiring land in the region for conservation purposes. In 1961, the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest was formally established to protect and manage the remaining forested areas. The state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The Mississippi River, one of the longest rivers in the United States, originates from Lake Itasca within the boundaries of the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest. The forest serves as the headwaters for this iconic river, which eventually flows south for thousands of miles until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. The visitor center at Lake Itasca State Park, located adjacent to the state forest, provides information and educational exhibits about the river's history and significance.

The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest has been managed for sustainable timber production and conservation. The forest ecosystem has been gradually restored, and efforts have been made to protect and enhance the wildlife habitat within the state forest. It continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking to explore the natural wonders of Minnesota.
Camping
1. Itasca State Park: This park is located at the headwaters of Mississippi River and offers more than 200 drive-in campsites in two campgrounds, including sites for tents only.

2. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area: Located within the state forest, this recreation area provides camping options with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings/grills etc.

3. Schoolcraft State Park: A small secluded park that has a campground along the banks of Mississippi river offering beautiful views to its visitors.

4. Pine Point Lodge & Outfitting Co.: Offers cabin rentals as well as RV hookups if you're looking for something other than tent camping.

5. Camp Bliss: Provides cabins and lodges which are wheelchair accessible too making it an inclusive option.

6. Bemidji KOA Journey: If you prefer commercial campgrounds then there's also a KOA (Kampgrounds Of America) site nearby where they offer both tenting spots and rental cabins.

7. Chippewa National Forest: Although not directly inside Headwater's SF,it does provide multiple dispersed free primitive campsites throughout their land.

8. Bear Paw Campground: Another good choice near by providing basic facilities such as water supply,toilet facility etc.
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Trails
1. Schoolcraft Trail: This is a 20-mile trail that offers hikers an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, including wetlands and hardwood forests.

2. Itasca Moraine Loop: A challenging but rewarding hike with steep climbs and descents through dense forest terrain offering stunning views over lakes in the area.

3. Dr Roberts Hiking Trail: An easy-to-moderate level hiking path stretching about three miles long which takes you around Lake Itasca's eastern shorelines providing beautiful lake views throughout your journey.

4. Wilderness Drive Walking Pathway: The pathway runs parallel to Wilderness drive for approximately two miles featuring interpretive signs along its route explaining local flora, fauna, geology as well as cultural history of this region.

5. La Salle Lake Trails System: Comprising several interconnected trails totaling nearly five miles where one can enjoy bird watching or simply immerse themselves into nature's beauty while walking amidst mixed pine-hardwood forests surrounding Minnesota's deepest inland lake -LaSalle Lake.

6. Brower Hiking Trail: Approximately six mile looped trail starting from Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center leading towards Peace Pipe Vista, then onto Nicollet Court before returning back via different scenic routes each time.

7. Deer Park Nature Trails: Consists multiple short loops ranging between half-a-mile up till two-and-half-miles passing by various natural features like old-growth pines, bogs etc. , also includes few boardwalk sections crossing marshy areas.

8. Ozawindib Walks & Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwater Area Paths: These are series of shorter walks (less than a mile) near headwaters' source at north end of park showcasing variety habitats such as prairie grassland patches interspersed within coniferous woodlands besides riverine environments alongside mighty Mississipi River itself right after it emerges out from Itsaca Lakes' outlet.

9. Driggs River Trail: A 10-mile trail that follows the scenic Driggs river, offering hikers stunning views of waterfalls and wildlife.

10. Wilderness Sanctuary Hiking Trails: This is a network of trails spread over an area designated as wilderness sanctuary within Mississippi Headwaters State Forest providing opportunities for solitude seekers to experience tranquility amidst unspoiled natural settings away from human disturbances.

11. Martineau Recreational Trails: These are primarily designed for off-highway motorcycles but also open to hiking during non-winter months, covering nearly twenty-five miles traversing through diverse landscapes including sandy hills covered by jack pines besides black spruce bogs among others.

12. DeSoto Lake Loop: It's about two-and-half mile long looped path circling around picturesque Desoto lake surrounded by mixed forest stands where one can spot variety bird species especially during migratory seasons in spring or fall apart from other local fauna like deer etc. , if lucky enough!

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Area Campgrounds
Royal Oaks RV Park
2874 Fenske Farm Lane Southeast
Bemidji, MN
218-751-8357

Directions
1. Start by getting on I:94 W from S 4th St and Chicago Ave.
2. Continue driving west on I:94 for approximately 150 miles until you reach exit 207B to merge onto US-10 W toward Elk River/Anoka.
3. Stay on US:10 W for about 50 miles before taking a slight right onto MN-34 NW towards Detroit Lakes/Park Rapids.
4. Follow MN:34 NW for around 70 miles as it takes you through various towns including Nevis and Akeley until reaching Park Rapids.

Once in Park Rapids:
5. In downtown Park Rapids, turn left at the intersection with Central Avenue N (MN Hwy71) where there's a stoplight next to Hugo's Family Marketplace grocery store.
6. Continue northbound along Highway71/MN200 out of town following signs that say Bemidji or Itasca State park.
7. After leaving city limits continue straight ahead past Walmart Supercenter which will be visible off roadways east side after passing over Fish Hook river bridge.
8. Stay on highway71 heading North into Kabekona Corner area then take first available Right hand Turnoff just beyond mile marker #205 signposted "County Road40" also known locally as County Rd#9.

From here onwards:

9. Follow County Road40 /Co.Rd.#9 Westwardly direction approximatley six(6)miles distance till arriving at T:junction crossroads marked by Stop Sign & small green colored street name signage indicating Co.Rd.#33 junctioning point.
10. Turn Left/Southwards continuing onward down CoRd/#33 roadway another three(3)mile stretch leading directly into main entrance gate accessway serving Mississipi headwater state forest area.
11. Once you reach the entrance gate, follow any posted signs or directions to your desired destination within the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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