CuteCamper
Chippewa National Forest
Your #ChippewaNF Adventure Begins Here:
- Experience the lake life on one of 1,300 lakes, 925 miles of streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands
- Camp in one of our campgrounds or rough it at one of our back-country campsites
- Explore the forest by foot, bike or OHV on one of our trail systems
- Let imaginations soars at one of our Visitor Center programs
- Need some help on where to start? Here are our top ten sites to visit!
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Facilities
East Seelye Bay Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Mabel Lake Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
NORTH STAR Campground
List of CampsitesWebster Lake Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Chippewa National Forest Christmas Tree Permit Tree Permit
DEER LAKE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Deer Lake Campground is located on scenic Cut Foot Sioux Lake, next to Lake Winnibigoshish, in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area for boating, walleye, northern, sunfish, and crappie fishing, and beautiful scenery.
Recreation
Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular activities on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. A boat ramp is centrally located between the campground's two loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. A large swimming beach is located at the North Deer Loop and a smaller beach is located at South Deer Loop. Boats may be moored offshore.
Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding opportunities. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Area Trail runs through the campground and connects with the Simpson Creek Trail. People with ATV's can camp in the campground, however, ATV's must be trailered to roads legal for riding outside the campground.
Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to Lake Winnibigoshish, which can be accessed from Cut Foot Sioux. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, northern, panfish, and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are popular activities.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.Natural Features
Deer Lake Campground is situated on the northwest shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake and is split into two separate loops. The North Deer Loop is covered by a hardwood forest of maple and oak, with some mature pine trees scattered throughout the area. South Deer Loop is forested with mature red and white pines.
Cut Foot Sioux is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey and bald eagles. The much larger Lake Winnibigoshish is accessible by boat and within sight of these two campgrounds.
Nearby Attractions
Down the road, East Seelye Bay offers a large picnic area, boat landing with dock and a swimming beach.ONEGUME Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Onegume Campground is located on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake. It is near State Highway 46, which is also known as Avenue of the Pines, in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area for boating, trophy muskie fishing and beautiful scenery.Recreation
Boating and swimming are popular activities on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Fishing during Minnesota's season opener is historically very good. An accessible fishing dock and fish cleaning station are located on-site. A few boat slips are located at the water's edge.Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and birding opportunities. The Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Area trail can be accessed in the area.
Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to and provides access to Lake Winnibigoshish. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch and muskie. It is one of the state's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities.
Facilities
This popular campground offers several single-family sites, the majority of which have 30-Amp electric hookups. Most sites are large enough to accommodate 38-foot RVs. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. There are three sets of accessible vault toilets and three drinking water spigots spaced equally through the campground. Additionally, there is a fishing cleaning building within the campground for camper use.Natural Features
The campground is situated between Highway 46 and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, before the bridge on the east side of the road. A scenic forest of birch and red pine trees covers the area, offering shade and privacy between sites. Eleven sites are located on the lakefront.The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
The Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center is just north of the campground. A half-mile accessible trail leads to the center, which offers interpretive displays, educational programs and area information.STONY POINT Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Reservations to all Chippewa National Forest Campgrounds can be made six months in advance. Stony Point is located on beautiful Leech Lake, in the heart of Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, canoeing, fishing and birding opportunities.Recreation
Boating and fishing are very popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the campground. Anglers will find walleye, perch, bass, northern pike and muskie, where every cast has the potential to yield a trophy-sized catch. A boat ramp and dock are located within the campground. Miles of scenic hiking trails meander around Leech Lake, including the Paul Bunyon State Trail, Heartland Trail, Soo Line Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail.Facilities
The campground offers sites with 30 amp electric hookups, and one walk-to tent site without electric hookups. Flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station are provided.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of Leech Lake in an open, grassy area, surrounded by an old growth forest of oak, elm, maple and ash trees. Some trees are over 200 years old. Leech Lake is the third-largest lake in Minnesota at more than 112,000 acres, with nearly 200 miles of shoreline. Campers commonly hear the telltale call of loons on the water.Nearby Attractions
The very popular tourist town of Walker, Minnesota is located approximately 14 miles west of the campground, with a variety of restaurants, shops and festivals available there throughout the year.CLUBHOUSE LAKE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Clubhouse Lake Campground is located on its peaceful namesake in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting.Recreation
Clubhouse Lake has excellent water quality and is about 90 feet deep, providing great fishing opportunities for northern pike, bass and panfish. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities on the lake. The Rice River Canoe Route starts its journey to the Big Fork River from waters that flow into Clubhouse Lake.A sandy swimming beach, an accessible fishing pier and a day use area are located within the campground at the water's edge. A kid's fishing day is held at the campground in June, sponsored by the Big Fork Lion's Club and the Forest Service.
Facilities
The campground offers 28 reservable and 19 first-come, first-served, single-family campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are provided.The campground is patrolled regularly by Forest Service personnel and Itasca County law enforcement officers.
Natural Features
The campground lies off Highway 38, which is the nation's first National Scenic Byway, known as "The Edge of the Wilderness." A beautiful stand of 200-year-old red and white pine trees cover the campground on the western shore of Clubhouse Lake.Nearby Attractions
The Marcell Discovery Center is located a half-mile north of Marcell. It is a must-see for anyone camping in the area. The brand new facility offers many excellent displays, a gift shop and several weekly naturalist programs.CHIPPEWA LOOP Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Chippewa Loop is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area, on the southern shores of beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. The campground is a perfect location for family camping, with excellent boating and fishing opportunities.Recreation
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is nearby.Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest. Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo.
Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail.
The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby. This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees. Educational programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibwe heritage and the area's flora and fauna.
A variety of special events are held at the center throughout the year. A kid's fishing day is held in June, Bald Eagle Day is sometime in July, and Smokey Bear's birthday party is held in August. Interpretive programs are offered every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Facilities
The Chippewa Loop offers 46 campsites, some of which are available on first-come, first-served basis. Thirty of the sites are equipped with electric hookups. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of Cass Lake, in a forest of mature red and white pine trees. Some sites overlook the scenic lake.Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake is four miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.NORWAY BEACH LOOP Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Norway Beach Loop is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area on the southern shores of beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent boating and fishing opportunities.Recreation
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, Northern pike, perch and trophy muskie, with a boat ramp nearby.Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest. Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo.
Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail.
The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby. This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees. Programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibway heritage and the area's flora and fauna.
Special annual events are held at the center, including a Kids Fishing Day in June, Bald Eagle Day in July and Smokey Bear's Birthday Party in August. Interpretive programs are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Facilities
Norway Beach Loop offers numerous campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Flush and vault toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.Natural Features
The campground is situated 500 ft. from the banks of Cass Lake, in a forest of red and white pines.Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake, Minnesota is 4 miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.NORWAY BEACH PICNIC SHELTER Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Norway Beach Picnic Shelter is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area on the southern shores of beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. The shelter and adjacent beach are a wonderful setting for family reunions, company picnics or weddings.Recreation
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, Northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is nearby.Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest. Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo.
Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail.
The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby. This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees. Programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibway heritage and the area's flora and fauna.
Special annual events are held at the center, including a Kids Fishing Day in June, Bald Eagle Day in July and Smokey Bear's Birthday Party in August. Interpretive programs are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Facilities
The large log shelter can accommodate up to 100 people and is equipped with electric outlets, picnic tables and a grill. Flush toilets, outdoor showers and drinking water are provided.
Natural Features
The shelter is situated on the banks of Cass Lake, at the edge of a forest of red and white pines. A beautiful white sand beach lies in front of the shelter.Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake, Minnesota is 4 miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.SOUTH PIKE BAY Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
South Pike Bay Campground is located on the south shore of beautiful Pike Bay, on Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities.Recreation
South Pike Bay offers offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is located within the campground.A trailhead for the Migizi Bike Trail is on-site. The paved trail stretches 14 miles along the lakeshore and is open to biking, walking and rollerblading.
The campground is a portage point for the 128-mile Chippewa Headwaters Loop Canoe Route. With six portages, the historic waterway is considered the most difficult in the forest, but is a beautiful trip through history.
Facilities
The campground offers 23 non-electric campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.Natural Features
The campground is a long spur stretching along the shore of Pike Bay in a pleasant stand of mixed hardwoods and old growth pine. Some of the campsites are situated on the beautiful sand beach.Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake, Minn., is six miles northwest of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.CASS LAKE LOOP Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Cass Lake Loop is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area on beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent boating and fishing opportunities.Recreation
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, Northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is nearby.Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest. Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo.
Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail.
The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby. This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees. Programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibway heritage and the area's flora and fauna.
Special annual events are held at the center including a Kids Fishing Day in June, Bald Eagle Day in July and Smokey Bear's Birthday Party in August. Interpretive programs are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family sites, two of which are accessible. Accessible vault toilets and a hand pump for water are also available.
Natural Features
The campground is located on the banks of Cass Lake, among a scenic forest of mature red and white pine.Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake, Minnesota is 4 miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.WANAKI LOOP Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Wanaki Loop is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area, at the southern shores of beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. The campground is a perfect location for family camping, with excellent boating and fishing opportunities.Recreation
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is located within the campground.Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest. Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo.
Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail.
The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby. This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees. Programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibwe heritage and the area's flora and fauna.
A variety of special events are held at the center throughout the year. A kid's fishing day is held in June, Bald Eagle Day is sometime in July, and Smokey Bear's birthday party is held in August. Interpretive programs are offered every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites. Flush and vault toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of Cass Lake, in a forest of mature red and white pine trees. Some sites have lake views and are near the loop's sandy beach.Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake is located four miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.WINNIE CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Winnie Campground is remotely located on the west side of Lake Winnibigoshish in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area to enjoy boating, trophy muskie fishing and beautiful scenery.Recreation
Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating on this 67,000-acre lake is also very popular. A boat ramp and harbor are located next to the campground.Many hiking and biking trails meander around the lake and its 141 miles of shoreline. A picnic area is adjacent to the campground. Hunting areas can be found in the surrounding forest.
Facilities
The campground offers 33 reservable sites, some of which are very large and suitable for groups. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, hand-pumped drinking water and recycling services are provided. Firewood may be purchased when the host is available.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the western shore of the lake in a scenic forest of mature red and white pine. Some sites have lake views.Nearby Attractions
The town of Cass Lake, Minnesota is 25 miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.Bimijiwan Recreation Area Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Knutson Dam Campground is located on the northeastern shores of Cass Lake and the Mississippi River.Recreation
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. Boat ramps on the lake and river are located within the campground.Canoeists love Knutson Dam's location for its easy canoe access to the Mississippi River. Several canoe routes traverse the area waterways, including the Mississippi.
Facilities
The campground offers 11 single family campsites and two walk-to tent sites. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection. Firewood may be purchased when the host is available.Natural Features
The campground consists of a single loop among beautifully manicured lawns, shaded by a forest of oak, spruce and pine. Every site affords scenic lake views.CUT FOOT HORSE CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp is located northeast of Lake Winnibigoshish. Over 120 miles of forest roads and recreation trails surround this scenic campground, making it a favorite location of campers with horses.Recreation
Many miles of trails pass through or begin at Cut Foot, leading horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers through the Cut Foot Experimental Forest. Several trails are also open to off-road vehicles. Research areas are designated by various markers. Please leave the markers as you find them.Facilities
Unique campgrounds like Cut Foot Horse require certain restrictions to maintain water quality, minimize soil erosion and lessen any impacts on vegetation. Special attention has been paid in designating the site for horse camping.Several single-family campsites are available, most of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Hitching racks, picket lines and manure pits are located throughout the campground. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
The campground is patrolled regularly by Forest Service personnel and Itasca County law enforcement officers.
Natural Features
The campground lies within the Cut Foot Experimental Forest, managed in part by the North Central Research Station in Grand Rapids and the Chippewa National Forest. The Cut Foot is an outdoor laboratory for studying pine forest management.A mature stand of red pine trees cover the area, and oak and birch trees dot the forest. The campground has nice shade and good privacy between sites.
Nearby Attractions
Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities on Big and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lakes and Lake Winnibigoshish. These lakes and several others are within a few miles of the campground.MOSOMO POINT Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Mosomo Point Campground is located between Little and Big Cut Foot Sioux Lakes in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for canoeing, trophy muskie fishing, hiking and beautiful scenery.Recreation
Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are very popular activities at Mosomo Point. Its protected location on the lake provides calm waters away from the big lake, making it an ideal spot for flatwater paddling.Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and birding opportunities. The Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Area Trail can be accessed nearby.
Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to Lake Winnibigoshish, which can be accessed from Cut Foot Sioux. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are popular activities.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.Natural Features
The campground is situated in a transitional area between Little and Big Cut Foot Sioux Lakes. The quieter cove is lined with mature red and white pine trees.The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
The Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Information Center is located a half-mile from the campground. The center offers interpretive displays, educational programs, trails and area information.Several resorts in the area offer camping and fishing supplies, groceries and more, and can be reached by watercraft or vehicle.
WILLIAMS NARROWS Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Williams Narrows Campground is located on Cut Foot Sioux Lake in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area for boating, trophy muskie fishing and beautiful scenery.Recreation
Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. A boat ramp and swimming beach are located between the campground's two loops.Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and birding opportunities. The Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Area Trail can be accessed by boating across the narrows.
Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to Lake Winnibigoshish. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are popular activities there.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host, who is on-site May 1 through Labor Day.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the eastern shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake. A scenic forest of birch, oak and pine trees shades the campground. A few campsites have lake views.The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey and bald eagles.
Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Facility
Lady Slipper Scenic byway goes over the river and through the woods. The Chippewa National Forest hugs this rustic route with campgrounds and resorts tucked in the woods. The Chippewa National Forest visitor center is in old log lodge at Norway Beach on Cass Lake, with naturalist and bike trails nearby. The route crosses the Mississippi River flowing from Cass Lake as a stream. The Pennington Bog, showcasing Ladyslippers, and a 1930's Civilian Conservation Corp camp are other highlights. The byway itself is a 28-mile drive that follows County Raod 39 between the northwoods towns of Blackduck and Cass Lake.
Very popular in early summer when the Showy Ladyslippers bloom, and this is also a beautiful autumn drive. The byway takes you past Knutson Dam, Webster Lake and Camp Rabideau. There are two interpretive stops along the byway: Lady Slipper Interpretive Site (3801 Scenic Highway NE Blackduck) and the Mississippi River Interpretive Site (28201 Brook Lake Rd SE Pennington).
Historic Forest Supervisor’s Office Facility
Welcome to the Historic Chippewa National Forest Supervisor's office. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We can help you with:
- Forest information and maps
- Interagency passes
- Forest product permits
- Gift shop
- Tours of the building
HISTORY:
The Forest Supervisor’s office is on the National Register of Historic Sites and was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 705. As you enter you will notice the spirit of the Civilian Conservation Corps can be found in the notched logs and hammered iron of the office.
This historic landmark embodies the craftsmanship of men like Ike Boekenoogen, Nels Bergley and the boys of Civilian Conservation Corps Company 705, Pike Bay Camp.
The CCC and Work Project Administration laborers created this log structure using a Finnish-style log construction.
Ike Boekenoogen, a master woodsman, supervised the technique and construction. Logs were traced, notched and grooved by hand. Each layer of logs was tightly fit and required no chinking or nailing. Craftsman at the time earned $100 per month.
The 8,500 square foot building was made from 100-year-old native red pine logged from Star Island and Lake Thirteen near Cass Lake. More than 16,000 lineal feet of red pine logs 10 to 16 inches in diameter were used for outer walls and partitions. Heavy wooden pegs set into drilled holes, allowed the logs to settle without shifting.
Early visitors walked beneath a huge log arch to reach the entrance. A large-wooden fire tower stood behind the building.
Hand-hammered ironwork on the doors and hinges still greet visitors today. Gnarled stairway railings, constructed with frost-damaged maple, lead visitors up hand-hewn split log steps. Birch, oak and white pine were also used as finishing materials.
In the center of the building stands a 50-foot-high fireplace and chimney made of split and matched glacial boulders, native to the area. Measuring 14 by 14 feet at its base and tapering to 10 by 10 feet at its top, the massive fireplace is made of 265 tons of rock. Nels Bergley of Walker, Minn., was the designer and builder. Look closely to find his carefully selected rock shaped as a Forest Service shield.
The log headquarters building was completed in 1936 at a cost of $225,000. It was originally designed for use as administrative offices with a museum and reception area, the Chippewa National Forest Supervisor's Office still serves this original purpose.
On Jan. 31, 1976, the Chippewa National Forest Supervisor’s Office was designated on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Walker Area Facility
Walker Area
Lake Andrusia Boat Site Facility
A concrete boat ramp provides access to the 1,500 acre Lake Andrusia. Lake Andrusia is connected by the Mississippi River to the Cass Lake chain of lakes. Walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch are found in this lake.
Star Island Facility
Located in the middle of Cass Lake, Star Island is one of the unique features of the Chippewa National Forest. Named for its star shape, "Star Island" is the largest of four islands in Cass Lake. Star Island has over eight miles of shoreline and encompasses 980 acres of both public land and private homes. Six miles of trails wind along the high banks and deep woods of the island, providing opportunities for hiking and nature study. Star Island Campground is located on the southwest shore of the island. Campers must provide their own water and pack out any refuse. Lake Windigo sits inside Star Island. Lake Windigo's special location earned it a notation with "Ripleys Believe It or Not". | Map
Marcell Area Facility
Marcell Area
Blackduck Area Facility
Blackduck Area
Long Lake Boat Area Facility
A concrete boat ramp provides access to the 926 acre Long Island Lake. Long Island Lake is just east of MN Highway 84. Northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish such as bluegills, sunfish and perch are found in this lake.
Edge of the Wilderness Facility
The "Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway" helps people discover the hidden natural and cultural history of northern Minnesota. The Byway meanders 47 miles north from Grand Rapids to Effie, Minnesota. You are invited to come and celebrate our northern hospitality, hometown pride and the treasures of our natural heritage. Minnesota, midway between America's east and west coasts, is home to 12,000 lakes. It is filled with beautiful country and all the treasures of the four seasons. The Edge of the Wilderness is the rustic slice of this great state, with more than 1,000 lakes and one mighty river nearby, all in a landscape of remarkable natural beauty. It offers some of Minnesota's most popular fishing, hunting, camping, trail, winter sports and resort opportunities.
The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center located in Marcell, MN is a visitor & environmental education center that is home to a variety of interpretive displays & exhibits about the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway and surrounding area. It includes area information, gift shop, environmental education room, outdoor amphitheater, interpretive trail fishing/wildlife-watching pier, and offers FREE naturalist programs throughout the summer. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. The Center is located at 49554 State Highway 38, Marcell, MN 56657. For more information call 218-832-3161 or visit edgeofthewildernessdiscoverycenter
Rice River Canoe Route Facility
Rice River Canoe Route
Mosomo Point Boat Area Facility
A concrete boat ramp provides access to the 2852 acre Cut Foot Sioux Lake. The lake is west of MN Highway 46. Northern pike, walleye, cisco, perch and other panfish are found in this lake. This is a very popular landing as it has double ramp with a dock in the middle. Parking for twenty vehicles is available. There is an accessible fishing pier nearby.
Turtle River Canoe Route Facility
The Turtle River begins at Lake Julia, 12 miles north of Bemidji and flows through the Turtle and Three Island Lakes into Turtle River Lake. The river flows out of Turtle River Lake to enter the Chippewa National Forest, where it moved through Big Rice Lake, Kitchi and finally into Cass Lake on the Mississippi River. Water depth and rate of travel depend on the amount of rainfall and the season of the year.
Tamarack Point Campground Campground
List of CampsitesTamarack Point campground is 13 miles north of Deer River on Highway 46. Turn west off 46 onto County Road 9. Travel south on County 9 for six miles before turning west onto Forest Road 2163. The campground is approximately five miles northwest on Forest Road 2163. There are 31 sites available at the campground with boat access and docking provided. | Site Map
Deer River Area Facility
Deer River Area
North Branch Turtle River Canoe Route Facility
This canoe route offers excellent opportunities to view bald eagles, loons and a variety of northern Minnesota wildlife. It is an easy route that is 14 miles long.
Cass Lake Area Facility
Cass Lake Area
Bowstring Lake Landing Boat Area Facility
A concrete ramp provides access to Bowstring Lake on the southern shore of the lake. The site is adjacent to State Highway 6 and County Road 14. Bluegill, bass, walleye and other panfish are found in the lake.
Moose Lake Boating Area Facility
Moose Lake is known for producing 30-40 pound muskies. The lake also offers fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, crappies, and panfish.
Joyce Estate Facility
As you stroll through the grounds of the Joyce Estate imagine the roaring twenties, the time of prohibition and women's suffrage. Imagine how unusual it was in its day, an isolated 4,500 acre resort with 40 buildings including its own golf course, private telephone line and airplane hanger. Heir to the Joyce Family fortune originating in part from lumber taken from northern Minnesota via the Itasca Lumber Company, David Joyce of Chicago built the estate from 1917-1935. Due to excellent railway connections from Minneapolis and Chicago, and its scenic beauty, the Grand Rapids area became nationally known as a major resort area. The Joyce Family used it until 1972. Through its heritage and interpretive programs the Chippewa National Forest manages this site which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Information Flyer
