National Forests & State Parks on the Iron Range

Superior National Forest

The Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota spans 150 miles along the United States-Canadian border.

Established as a National Forest in 1909 by proclamation of Teddy Roosevelt, this three million acre forest is a rich and varied resource and is the last remaining boreal forest in the U.S. In addition, more than 155 nesting bird species live in the Superior National Forest, making it home to more breeding birds than any national forest in the United States. Here you can find recreation opportunities year round. Popular recreation activities include camping, picnicking, boating, hunting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and biking. The forest also is an ideal place for swimming, horseback riding, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, rock hunting, berry picking, nature study, photography and much more. In addition to summer activities, north woods winters are ideally suited to winter sports such as cross-country and down hill skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skating, and sledding.

The 3,000-plus lakes, rivers and streams now found in the area were formed in the wake of retreating glaciers. Fish species such as walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout can be found in abundance in these waters. The northern forest community thrives with its pine, fir and spruce trees and is home to numerous wildlife species including deer, moose, the gray wolf, and black bear. Northern Minnesota is the last stronghold of the gray wolf in the lower 48 states. Approximately 300-400 wolves continue to roam within the boundaries of the Superior National Forest today.

To learn more, visit the Superior National Forest website.

Superior National Forest
c/o U.S. Forest Service
Laurentian Ranger District
318 Forestry Road
Aurora, MN 55705
218-229-8800

McCarthy Beach State Park

Find 18 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of mountain bike trails and 12 miles of horse trails among towering red and white pine forests and scenic lakeshores of Side Lake and the four connected lakes of the Sturgeon chain. McCarthy Beach State Park is also home to nine miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and 12 miles of snowmobile trails in the park, with a spur to the Taconite State Trail.

Hilly trails create excellent opportunities for birding - more than 175 species have been counted in the park. Thirty-three species of wildlife live here, too, including timber wolves, raccoons, whitetail deer and black bear. Great pine forests along with aspen and birch trees make for stunning scenery.

In summer, McCarthy Beach is popular for its excellent swimming and sunning. Warm, shallow water in the swimming area is great for young swimmers, and wide, clean beaches offer plenty of room for family fun. It was voted one of the best beaches in the Midwest. Enjoy picnicking and recreation of all kinds at this one-of-a-kind state park. Fishing and wildlife viewing pier is available for use.

Directions: Take Highway 169 west of Virginia 17.5 miles and go past Chisholm to County Road 5. Take a right on 5 and follow it north for 16 miles to Side Lake. Take a left on McCarthy Beach Road to the park. Watch for signs.

Admission: A state park vehicle permit is required at a cost of $4 for a daily permit or $20 for an annual permit. Rates subject to change.

To learn more, visit the McCarthy Beach State Park DNR website.

Click here for a FREE McCarthy Beach Park Brochure including information on cross-country skiing, hiking, and recreational opportunities.

McCarthy Beach State Park
7622 McCarthy Beach Road
Side Lake, MN 55781
218-254-7979
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/

Bear Head Lake State Park

Visitors to Bear Head Lake State Park, a serene wilderness park near Lake Vermilion, will find a peaceful lake and winding nature trails. Bear Head Lake State Park is home to several families of eagles, and many other species of wildlife including loons, whitetail deer, timber wolves, moose and bear.

Look for eagle nesting areas marked by Department of Natural Resources flags, and watch as eagles soar above Bear Head lake, swooping now and then to snare a fish. You may even be fortunate enough to observe two eagles engaging in play high overhead. You may also witness eagles with their young.

Birdwatchers can also spot red crossbills, boreal chickadees, pine grosbeaks and red-breasted nuthatches.

Seventeen miles of hiking trails in the park lead visitors through coniferous forests, abundant with foliage, wild berries and grasses. In winter, explore seven miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.

Please do not disturb the eagle nesting areas - field glasses will give the best view of these majestic birds!

Directions: From Virginia take Highway 53 north approximately four miles. Exit right on U.S. Highway 169 east toward Tower. Continue east on Hwy 169 to St. Louis County (State Aid) Road 128. Take a right on 128 and travel south six miles to the park. (Located 16 miles east of Soudan).

Admission: A state park vehicle permit is required at a cost of $4 for a daily permit or $20 for an annual permit. Rates subject to change.

To learn more, visit the Bear Head Lake State Park DNR website.

Bear Head Lake State Park
9301 Bear Head State Park Rd.
Ely, MN 55731
218-365-7229
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/