GREAT OUTDOORS THE NORTH WOODS By Brian Fanelli There are endless places to view winter wildlife in Minnesota, but my personal favorite is Bear Head Lake State Park. Secluded in the vast North Woods near Ely, it’s the perfect destination to view the eagles, wolves and moose that call northern Minnesota home. Almost as far north as you can go without hitting Canada, the park epitomizes the Up North vibe: Pristine frozen lakes in every direction, dense pine forests, rolling hills and skies so blue they look like a postcard. For the best wildlife viewing, I strap on my snowshoes and venture into the untouched winter wilderness before the sun is up. With my head on a swivel, I move quietly and slowly through the park, looking for mammal tracks in the snow. The northern forest is home to white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, wolves and many smaller mammals; if you stay silent and keep your eyes peeled, you’re practically guaranteed to glimpse a few of these majestic creatures. Photo by Minnesota DNR FIND WINTER WILDLIFE IN PRISTINE FROZEN LAKES IN EVERY DIRECTION, DENSE PINE FORESTS, ROLLING HILLS AND SKIES SO BLUE THEY LOOK LIKE A POSTCARD. Photo by Jeanne Walseth Wolf pack at International Wolf Center, Ely Photo by Eve Schrank For an especially rustic experience, try to stay at one of the park’s five camper cabins. Named after some of the more prominent trees here (Aspen, Red Pine, White Pine, Cedar and Birch), they’re the perfect home base for a couple days of winter adventures. MINNESOTA WILDLIFE CENTERS Looking for something a little more streamlined? You can also view wolves, bears and birds at these wildlife centers across Minnesota. » International Wolf Center, Ely » North American Bear Center, Ely » National Eagle Center, Wabasha Discover more places to see Minnesota wildlife and plan your trip today! SPOT MINNESOTA WILDLIFE ExploreMinnesota.com/Wildlife 36 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2021 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 36
