State Parks and National Parks

Chippewa National Forest

In 1908, the Chippewa National Forest became the first national forest east of the Mississippi River. The forest has a rich history from prehistoric times up to the activities of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.

There are 1,300 lakes, 920 miles of streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands. The Mississippi River plunges through the heart of the forest.

The forest encompasses 1.6 million acres in north central Minnesota and hosts the largest population of breeding bald eagles in the lower 48 states, in addition to 230 other bird species.

In addition to 23 developed campgrounds, there are more than 400 dispersed campsites, where no-trace camping must be practiced.

Points of interest include the Lost Forty, a stand of virgin red and white pine untouched by early loggers due to a map error that showed this area to be under water.

The TTY phone number is 218-335-8632.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Chippewa National Forest. Courtesy of Chippewa National Forest.