Explore the Chippewa National Forest and Discover all of its Beauty

The Minnesota Northwoods is far-removed from everyday traffic and noise. The uniquely remote location and proximity to the heart of the Chippewa National Forest provides an abundance of wildlife.

There are four major areas that the Chippewa National Forest takes the most pride in: lakes and wetlands, heritage resources, bald eagles, and forest ecosystems. Each of these areas has an important part in the role in the history of the national forest.

Lakes & Wetlands

Lakes and wetlands make up over 400,000 acres of the Chippewa National Forest! It is also home to 2 of Minnesota’s 5 largest lakes, and 8 different types of wetlands. 67 of the 314 wildlife species that make their home on the Chippewa National Forest are dependent on the lakes and wetlands. Only 20% of Minnesota’s original wetlands remain today. The Chippewa National Forest is one of the few areas with wetlands essentially unchanged since settlement.

Heritage Resources

This area has been home to people for over 10,000 years. The long established link to the land was interrupted by European explorers and traders in the early 1800s. Concern over Native American rights and use of the remaining pine forests promoted the formation of the Minnesota Forest Reserve — later called the Chippewa National Forest to honor its original inhabitants. Many of the Anishinabe (Ojibwe/Chippewa) continue to live in the traditions of their ancestors with close ties to the forest and it’s resources.

Bald Eagles

The Chippewa National Forest is home to the highest breeding population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 United States! Over 150 pairs of the magnificent birds live among the pines and lakes of the forest. Eagles are often seen soaring near the larger lakes and along the Mississippi River or perching in old growth trees.

Forest Ecosystems

Located near the boundaries of three major vegetative communities (coniferous forest (pine, spruce, and balsam fir) to the north, hardwoods (aspen, birch, oak, and maple) to the south, and prairie to the west) the Chippewa National Forest has a very diverse ecosystem. Timberwolves, eagles, towering pines, and vigorous aspen are only part of the picture.

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Learn more about the Chippewa National Forest.