Chippewa National Forest

The Chippewa National Forest, located in the heart of northern Minnesota, is a celebration of seasons, culture, and the environment. Come explore the big lakes, big pines, and all the Forest has to offer. The Chippewa National Forest was the first national forest established east of the Mississippi River in 1908. Originally known as the Minnesota National Forest, the name was changed in 1928 to honor the original inhabitants. Today, the Chippewa Forest and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe share goals and offer visitors a chance to experience Anishinabe culture and learn about the past from prehistory to the early logging era and Civilian Conservation Corps days.

The vast Chippewa National Forest covers a large swath of the north-central part of the state. The forest contains 21 developed campgrounds, 41 miles of paved bike trails, 43 miles of unpaved bike trails, 160 miles of hiking trails, 298 miles of non-motorized trails, 380 miles of snowmobile trails, 68 dispersed camping locations, 20 miles of horse trails, 83 boat accesses. The Norway Beach Visitor Center, four miles east of the forest's headquarters at Cass Lake, occupies a historic 80-year-old lodge and is a good place to pick up maps and learn about the forest's flora and fauna. It's a protected wilderness that offers visitors the chance to hike, bike, swim, and fish. Don't forget to pack bug spray – ticks can be prevalent in Minnesota.

Location: Beltrami counties, Minnesota, United States
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/chippewa
Distance from Minnesota: 87 miles
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tel: 1 218-335-8600

Hour: At all days

Fee: $14 to $26 per person
TripAdvisor Review: 247 reviews