national park sites & state forests to know Minnesota's protected lands encompass over 70 state forests along with national park sites and monuments. From the Pipestone National Monument, where Native Americans have quarried sacred red stone for centuries, to Grand Portage National Monument, which preserves the history of Native peoples in the area and the North American fur trade, these sites offer diverse experiences that complement the state's wilderness adventures. Here are just a few standouts worth visiting. Chippewa National Forest – Chippewa National Forest boasts over 1,300 lakes and more than 900 miles of rivers and streams. One of its treasures is the Lost 40, a rare old-growth forest that escaped logging in the late 1800s. With pine trees between 300 and 400 years old, the ungroomed one-mile trail through the Lost 40 is a favorite for hiking and snowshoeing. Extend your stay at any of the 21 developed campgrounds. Superior National Forest – At 3 million acres, Superior National Forest is the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River. Its 2,000 lakes and streams – including many within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – are renowned for exceptional fishing. The forest offers extensive trails for hiking, off-highway vehicle riding and snowmobiling, plus two downhill ski areas: Giants Ridge and Lutsen Mountains. North Country National Scenic Trail – This is the longest continuous hiking trail in the U.S. In Minnesota, it includes the famed Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior’s North Shore, where backcountry camping and scenic day hikes are available between trailheads with parking. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway – The St. Croix is one of America’s top canoeing destinations and offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Along its shores, find five state parks, numerous regional and city parks and primitive National Park Service campsites. Mississippi National River & Recreation Area – Stretching 72 miles from Dayton to Hastings, this river park weaves through the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and historic exploration, plus ranger-led activities. Chippewa National Forest IconIc ExpErIEncEs | 31
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 31
