Area map, trail information,
and recreation guide
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest Highlights
This state forest’s namesake is the Headwaters of the
Mississippi River. Most of the river’s first 40 miles meanders
through state forest and is designated as a state water trail.
Carry-in access opportunities include Coffee Pot Landing,
Stumphges Rapids, Bear Den Landing, and Pine Point Landing.
Dispersed camping occurs in the forest. Some designated
campsites are present.
Trails
Hiking
Hunter Walking Trails
Mountain Biking
1.3 Miles Class 1 and 2 ATV
Snowmobiling
Cross-Country Skiing
Mississippi River Water Trail
Geologic History
When the glaciers receded around 10,000 years ago, they left
moraines—piles of unsorted glacial till composed of sand, clay,
rocks, and boulders. In the southwest area of the forest near Itasca
State Park you can see terminal moraines, which are steep hills that
formed at the edge of a glacier when it stops growing, pauses, and
then retreats. In the northern and eastern areas of the forest the
terrain will be flatter and sandy—evidence of an outwash plain,
or gently rolling—a result of glacial kames and eskers that give the
region the high-quality gravel deposits for which it is known. Hilly
kames are formed in one of two ways: from water pooling at the
surface of a glacier, or, more dramatically, from a river of meltwater shooting water off the edge of a glacier. Eskers are strings of
long, low ridges created as melting rivers of water beneath glaciers
deposited soil.
Management Activities
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest has 30,680 acres of public
lands, of which 8,838 acres are state land and 21,843 acres are
Beltrami (most), Clearwater, and Hubbard county lands. In
Minnesota, all state-managed lands are certified by third-party
inspectors to ensure that all forest activities, such as logging,
exceeds internationally-recognized standards. Forest certification
promotes responsible forest management and harvesting practices
by considering the forest health, forest regeneration, species biodiversity, wildlife habitat, soil and water quality, and social impacts
during growth and harvesting operations.
Trees and Plants
Features
The Rognlien Beach Day-Use Area located on Grant Lake
has picnic tables, a swimming beach, carry-in access, dock,
boat ramp, and fishing opportunities. The day-use area is
managed by Beltrami County, 218-333-4210.
The first segment of the Mississippi River Water Trail is in
this forest.
Other Destinations
Early logging removed most of the large pine stands more
than100 years ago. Today, you can see some remnant white and
red pine that were too small to cut when the first logging occurred.
Jack and red pine predominate in the northern and eastern areas.
The Itasca moraine in the southwest supports aspen, birch, sugar
maple, red oak, balsam fir, and lowland conifers in meadows
adjacent to the Mississippi River. Tracts of more recently regenerated pine can be found in the forest. About 44 acres of red pine are
designated as old growth.
Itasca State Park
Paul Bunyan State Forest
Buena Vista State Forest
White Earth State Forest
Henry O. Bjoring Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Upper Rice Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Iron Springs Bog Scientific and Natural Area (See description)
Schoolcraft ATV/OHM Trail
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Photo: MN DNR
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Towering red pines in Itasca State Park.
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45,290 acres
Established in 1935
Location
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is located in southwestern Beltrami County and in parts of Hubbard and
Clearwater counties about 4 miles west of the city of Bemidji.
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is bordered by Paul Bunyan
State Forest to the south. Lake Bemidji State Park is within
7 miles and Itasca State Park is within 1⁄4 mile of the state forest.
soils along trails and roads. See Gathering in a
State Forest.
Wild rice, Minnesota’s state grain, is abundant along the shores
of the Mississippi River and may be harvested when ripe, unless
posted otherwise. For an added treat look for morel mushrooms in
the spring.
Mink frog
SNAs are established to preserve and perpetuate the
ecological diversity of Minnesota’s natural heritage, including
landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare
and endangered species, or other biotic features and geological
formations for scientific study.
SNAs are open to the public for nature observation and
­education, but are not meant for intensive recreational activities. As a general rule there are no trails, restrooms, or other
facilities. Pets are not permitted.
•
WMAs were established to protect land and water that
have a high potential for wildlife production, public hunting,
trapping, fishing, and other compatible recreational uses.
Waterfowl, deer, and ruffed grouse are the major game
species hunted, but WMAs also provide wild turkey,
sharp‑tailed grouse, rabbit, black bear, and squirrel hunting.
The Minnesota Legislature and sports enthusiasts have
funded WMA land acquisition in many different ways. The
mainstay of funding has been the surcharge on the Small
Game Hunting License, although funding has come from
other sources as well.
Motorized Vehicle Use
Canoeing the first segment of the Mississippi River State Water Trail.
Hiking
Hiking is allowed year-round. During hunting and trapping
seasons it is recommended that hikers and companion animals wear
blaze orange and avoid wearing brown or white-colored clothing.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed on trails. A Minnesota Horse
Trail Pass is required for all horseback riders age 16 and older on
all trails. (mndnr.gov/horseback_riding/horsepass)
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is allowed on trails. A Minnesota Ski
Pass is required for all cross-country skiers age 16 and older on
all trails (mndnr.gov/licenses/skipass). The 4.0 km Fern Lake Trail
provides excellent skiing opportunities.
All of the Mississippi
Headwaters State Forest is
classified as limited.
ATV rider.
All motored vehicles in
the Mississippi Headwaters
State Forest must:
•Travel at a
reasonable and
prudent speed, and
obey posted speed
limits and other
traffic regulation
signs.
•Observe road,
route, and trail
closures indicated
by signs, barricades, Watch for this sign.
or gates.
•Yield to non‑motorized users and shut off the vehicle
when meeting a horse until the horse has passed or until
waved on by the rider or driver of the horse.
Rognlien Beach Day-Use Area is located on the north shore
of Grant Lake in the northern part of the state forest. This area
features picnic tables, a swimming beach, canoe access, and
fishing opportunities.
Minnesota law requires all off-highway vehicles (OHVs),
all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs),
and snowmobiles to display a current registration sticker.
Safety Training
Safety Certificates are required for:
•ATV drivers—All residents born after July 1, 1987.
•OHM drivers—All OHM drivers under the age of 16.
•Snowmobile drivers—All residents born after
December 31, 1976. (Snowmobile indicators on a
driver’s license or Minnesota ID card also qualify.)
•Non-residents—Other state certifications are recognized
in Minnesota.
Features
Do You Know…
Why Forests Change?
For millennia, forests have changed naturally through
a process called succession. Typically, after a disturbance
like fire, storms, or development, the first plants to
establish are sun-loving trees like aspen and jack pine.
(In many areas, if not managed, a disturbance can also
attract invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic
mustard.) As these “first succession” trees grow
large and age, they shade out their own
seedlings. This gives shade‑tolerant trees
such as maples, basswoods, and white
pines a chance to take root. Healthy
forests are always changing, and
often consist of a variety of
species and ages. Foresters manage
forests to produce valuable timber,
recreational opport­unities, and
wildlife habitat; and to keep forests
healthy for all to enjoy.
Snowmobile Riding
•Snowmobile Trail Stickers are required for all snowmobiles
on snowmobile trails. (mndnr.gov/licenses/snowmobile/
trailpermit.html)
State Forest Rules
For More Information
A complete list of rules and laws regulating state forest activities
is available at mndnr.gov/state_forests.
Camping
If you’re looking for fewer people and a relaxed atmosphere,
then state forest campgrounds are for you. Many state forest campgrounds feature spacious, shaded campsites along lakes or rivers.
All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campsites are considered “primitive.” They consist of a
cleared area, fire ring, and table. Vault toilets, garbage cans, and
drinking water are available. Camping fees are collected at the
campgrounds.
Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campsites
and campgrounds on state forest land) is permitted. There are no
furnished amenities or fees. Practice “leave no trace” camping and
pack out what you packed in.
Campfires
As a state forest visitor, you may have campWILDFIRES
fires in designated fire rings at campsites or in an
area cleared of combustible materials 5 feet in all
directions around the fire. All fires must be 3 feet
or less in diameter.
Have a responsible person attend to the fire at
all times. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
Extinguish the campfire with water using the drown and
stir method.
Firearms
Photo: MN DNR
Trail near Coffee Pot Landing. Mississippi Headwaters State Forest.
Excellent canoe and kayak opportunities abound in this forest.
The Mississippi Headwaters State Water Trail on the Mississippi
River runs through much of this forest. Several public water
accesses and campsites are scattered along the length on the river.
Iron Springs Bog is named for
springs, rich in iron-oxide, that issue
from a gravelly moraine. This site,
heavily used by the University of
Minnesota Biological Station since
the early 1930s, contains a mosaic of
raised-bed conifer swamp forest, boreal
forest, and pine forest. Dr. Carl Otto
Rosendahl was the first researcher
to bring classes to the bog for study.
Dr. Murray Buell and Helen Buell later Pitcher plant
(Sarracenia purpurea)
followed and also extensively used the
site. Minnesotans can be thankful for the attention these
researchers brought to this lovely bog. Within the conifer
swamp grow some of Minnesota’s rarest plant species, as well
as the coral root and ladies’ tresses orchids. The best time
to visit is in early spring to mid-summer to view woodland
wildflowers of the coniferous forest.
There are two WMAs near (but not in) the Mississippi
Headwaters State Forest: Henry O. Bjoring WMA and Upper
Rice WMA.
Watch for this sign.
Canoeing
Iron Springs Bog Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
•ATV Trail Passes are required for non-residents. Look
for OHV information at: findthetrails.com.
Turn in Poachers: 1-800-652-9093
The state forest also
provides habitat for
many species of reptiles
and amphibians,
including snapping
turtle, painted turtle,
spring peeper, gray
treefrog, mink frog,
tiger salamander, garter
snake, and green snake.
•
ATV Riding
Photo: MN DNR
Birds include:
Bald eagle
Osprey
Northern goshawk
Great-horned owl
Barred owl
Trumpeter swan
Wood duck
Hooded merganser
Ring-necked duck
Sandhill crane
Virginia rail
Sora
American woodcock
Common snipe
Ruffed grouse
Pileated woodpecker
Black-backed woodpecker
Bald eagle
Northern flicker
Common raven
Woodland warbler species
Pine grosbeak
Northern shrike
Baltimore oriole
Veery
White-throated sparrow
Swainson’s thrush
Red crossbill
Scarlet tanager
White-winged crossbill
Rose-breasted grosbeak
Hunting, trapping, and fishing are
allowed during the appropriate season
and with the correct license. Private
holdings within state forests may be
posted with “no hunting,” “private
property,” or “no trespassing” signs.
Hunting on private land within a state
forest is subject to state trespass laws.
Hunter Walking Trails exist in the
southern part of the state forest (near
Wanagan Landing) and in the far
eastern section near Plantagenet Lake.
Most trails are signed and are designed
to provide comparatively easy access to
areas used for hunting.
COST YOU!
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Fruit and nut-bearing
trees and shrubs include:
Cherry trees Dogwood shrubs
Blueberry
Highbush cranberry
Serviceberry
Nannyberry
Arrowwood
Raspberry
Hazel
Wild blueberries can be found growing in sandy
Photo: Steve Hillebrand, USFWS
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Trees in the forest include:
Jack pine Red (Norway) pine White pine Balsam fir
White spruce Black spruce Tamarack Black ash
Green ash
Red oak
Sugar maple
Elm
Birch
Aspen
Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing
Red squirrel
Snowshoe hare
Northern flying squirrel
Porcupine
Beaver
Muskrat
Shrews
Bats
Moles
Voles
Mice
Photo: MN DNR
Photo: MN DNR
History
In the late 1800s, most logging in this area was carried out by
the Crookston Lumber Company. It developed rail lines (most now
abandoned), logging roads, and communities in the area. Later,
homesteaders cleared the “stump fields,” turning them into agricultural land. Due to the sandy, rocky nature of the soils, combined
with the Great Depression, many of those homesteads failed.
If you look closely, you can still see remnants of old logging
roads, railroad grades, and homestead sites. Many of the roads and
trails in use today were originally cleared by the early loggers.
The State Legislature established Mississippi Headwaters
State Forest in 1935. The Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) owns and manages about 9,000 acres. Beltrami,
Clearwater, and Hubbard counties own and manage about 19,000
acres. The rest is privately owned.
Wildlife
Mammals present include:
White-tailed deer
Black bear
Timber wolf
Red fox Coyote
Bobcat
Weasel
River otter
American badger
Fisher
Mink
Photo: MN DNR
The natural history and features of the Mississippi Headwaters
State Forest make this area excellent for a variety of recreational
opportunities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, trail riding, hunting,
trapping, snowmobiling, camping, and especially canoeing and
kayaking on the first segment of the Mississippi River Water Trail.
Recreation in the Mississippi
Headwaters State Forest
Photo: MN DNR
Mississippi
Headwaters
State Forest
Photo: MN DNR
Natural History of the Mississippi
Headwaters State Forest
Firearms may be discharged in compliance with the law on
state forest lands not posted closed to firearms discharge. Please
clean up your spent rounds before you leave.
Shooting ranges, where designated, have special rules. Observe
postings on site.
Firearms must be unloaded and cased; bows must be unstrung
or cased while in or within 200 feet of a state forest recreation area
(campground, day-use area, parking area, etc.).
Invasives
Firewood and Larvae
Transporting firewood is a major culprit in spreading emerald
ash borer (EAB) and other insect pests. Larvae and pupae can
hide beneath the bark and then escape as adult beetles after being
transported many miles.
The danger of spreading EAB and other invasive species
convinced the 2007 Minnesota Legislature to pass a law prohibiting visitors from bringing unapproved firewood onto state land.
If you want to have a campfire in a state forest or state park, you
can only use local approved wood either purchased on site or from
a local approved firewood vendor (mndnr.gov/firewood). Dead
wood may be gathered for campfires on site in state forests.
Mud and Seeds
Don’t like weeds? Don’t spread seeds!
Hundreds of weed seeds may be caked in the mud on your
tires, boots, and gear.
Before you leave, remove mud from your stuff—and put it in a
safe place where seeds can’t sprout.
Some invasive weeds in northern Minnesota state forests
include: Canada thistle, European buckthorn, Siberian elm,
spotted knapweed, oxeye daisy, common tansy, crown vetch,
flowering rush, butter-and-eggs, and hoary alyssum.
Gathering in a State Forest
If you know what to look for, the forest can be a smorgasbord
of gourmet delights. Please be responsible. It’s OK to collect
berries, nuts, and mushrooms for personal use. Gathering eggs
is not allowed. In general, gather less than 75 percent of the
wild plants you find, and cut only the leaves of wild greens. Cut
mushrooms above the ground. Leave overripe berries behind
so the seeds can produce more bushes. Permits are required
for commercial harvest of medicinal plants, wild foods such as
wild rice and seeds, and decorative and floral greens, including
birch bark.
In case of emergency call 911
Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651-296-6157 (Metro Area)
1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) (MN Toll Free)
mndnr.gov
e-mail: [email protected]
This document is available in alternative formats to individuals
with ­disabilities by calling 651-296-6157 (Metro Area)
or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) (MN Toll Free) or
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/TTY: 651-296-5484
(Metro Area) or 1-800-657-3929 (Toll Free TTY).
Printed on recycled
paper containing
30% post‑consumer fiber.
FSC paper and printer.
•
©2010, State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs
of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is available
to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, sex, marital status, public assistance status,
age, sexual orientation, disability, or activity on behalf of a
local human rights commission. Discrimination inquiries
should be sent to Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Road,
St. Paul, MN 55155-4049; or the Equal Opportunity Office,
Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240.
Old Red Lake
Trail W.M.A.
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest
LAND
Private Land Within
the State Forest
unless posted closed—highway vehicles travel
at own risk.)
50
County Forest Roads (CFR) (open
Land Outside State
Forest Boundaries
County Access Routes (in Hubbard
Areas of Limitation
(see reverse for details)
to all motor vehicles unless posted closed)
County, closed to all motor vehicles, unless
posted open. In Beltrami and Clearwater
Counties, open to all motor vehicles, unless
posted closed. All County Access Routes are
open to non-motorized use.)
90
91
Snowmobile
Only Trails
1.0
0
71
2
Carry-in Access
91
26
14
r
Rive
sip
pi
Den
nd
in
Bear Den
g
d
CLEARWATER CO.
Roa
Marquette
Lake
Roa
d
Fern
Lake
7
st
re
Wildfire
CF
r
ve
9
5
Mississippi
37 Headwaters
State
Mallard
Forest
Lake
Hennepin
Lake
Rockwood
W.M.A.
Creek
n
epi
Rat
ip
M
Evergreen
Lake
Bear
Den
La
on
ts
at
Lake
Ozawindib
117
117
© 2010, State of Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources
Bond
Lake
Lost
Lake
k
ree
C
Birch
Lake Itasca
3
Alice
Lake
Birch Creek
W.M.A.
Minnie
Lake
Yola
ee
k
Cr
4
Birch
Itasca State Park
Itasca Wilderness
Sanctuary S.N.A.
44
Beauty
Lake
200
T 146 N
T 145 N
95
BELT44
RAMI CO.
HUBBARD CO.
Forest
3
Ka
b
eko
na
State Land
County Land
95
Cre
ek
95
16
DeHart
Lake
7
st
re
Fo
l
Lake
Itasca
Brown
Lake
River
Alcoho
Gulsvig
Road
M
r
o
ch
An
River
Hattie
Iron Springs
Bog S.N.A.
e
r
Fo
Lake
aft
st
3
Schoolc
r
Heart
Lake
Gill Lake
W.M.A.
71
g
d
Sucker
Lake
W.M.A.
Sucker
Lake
2
Twenty
Lake
Bootleg
Lake
in
Forest Roa
Wanagan
118
Manomin
Lake
nd
Emma
Lake
44
200
14
River
ipp
i
Camp
Lake
97
118
Douglas
Lake
iss
He
nn
pi
L
Lake
SchoolcraftGrant
16
ATV/OHM
Trail
ittl
iss
Paul Bunyan
State
Forest
e
iss
29
Assawa
Lake
Big
LaSalle
Lake
Gill
Lake
9
118
Frontenac
Lake
Moose
Lake
Robinson
Lake
T 147 N
T 146 N
R 34 W
2
9
R 35 W
LaSalle
Lake
Spearhead
Lake
Rive
r
3
Harley
Lake
Sch
oolc
raft
9
Creek
iss
Be
ar
M
iss
9
CLEARWATER CO.
Becida
ip
pi
Coffee Pot
29
2
71
Road
Ri
27
98
Plantagenet
Lake
Newman
Lake
10
State/County land ownership
in northern unit of MHSF
ek
40
M.H.S.F.
Hirts
Lake
3
Cre
46
Bemidji Slough
W.M.A.
Pine
R
Fern Lake
Ski Trail (4km)
BELTRAMI CO.
HUBBARD CO.
Carr
Lake
11
Iron Bridge
Diamond
Lake
South Long
Lake
Stone
Lake
Iron Bridge
Paul Bunyan
State Trail
2
7
Fox Trap
Upper Rice W.M.A.
Minerva
Lake
Mallard
Lake W.M.A.
Bootleg
Lake
Pine Point
Fo
Alida
White
Earth
State
Forest
Silver
Maple
Mississippi
Stumphages Rapids CFR
84
Irving
Lake
Forest
Forest
5
7
14
State
Manomin
Lake
La
Upper
14
ve
ssis
Bear
2
71
Ri
Mi
Bemidji
6
Headwaters
84
Upper Rice W.M.A.
11
16
Little
2
Mud
Lake
Mud Lake W.M.A. Clearwater Unit
Grass
Lake
Mississippi
Moose
Lake
29
Robinson
Lake W.M.A.
52
Grant
Lake
16
30
Lake
2
Rognlien Beach
Day-use Area
97
17
15
Wilton
Civil penalties start at $50
for first offense and
range up to $500 and
13or
loss of license
registration for a third
offense within three
years. All conservation
and peace officers enforce
trespass laws.
Rice
9
Harley
Lake
5
On private land, the simple and best answer is,
Ask First!
landowners,
WalkerSigns
Brookare posted by the
Daniel
Lakewill state, “No Trespassing,”
and they
Lake or similar
words in two-inch letters and the signature
or
Daniel Lake
name and telephone number of theW.M.A.
landowner,
lessee, or manager. There can be civil and
criminal penalties for violation of the trespass
laws.
21
515
Solway
Is It Trespassing?110
White
Earth
State
Forest
Scribner
Boat Ramp
Point
Scientific and Natural Area
505
2
Pine
S.N.A.
Buena Vista
State Forest
r
Wildlife Management Area
15
Alice
Lake
M
iss
W.M.A.
30
Meadow
Lake
2.0
Picnic Area
Paul Bunyan State Trail
9
505
Designated Campsite
Shevlin
89
Scale in Miles
FACILITIES
Ski Trail (Fern Lake)
Henry O.
Bjoring W.M.A.
Movil
Lake
22
505
Cities
Hunter Walking Trails
22
5
Tribal Land
23
22
Trail
Fosston
Old
Point
ar
Cle
r
Minimum
Maintenance Forest
ate (MMR) (open to all motor vehicles,
wRoads
Buena Vista
State Forest
Mississippi Headwaters
22
State Forest
North
Public Land Within
21Forest
the State
motor vehicles unless posted closed)
Pony Lake
Funkley Lake
Turtle
Lake
15
Bemidji
State Forest1Roads (SFR) (open to all
9
Lake
Ri
TRAIL TYPES
Whitefish
Lake
23
ver
Peterson
Lake
Wolf Lake
509
71
Areas with
Limitation
200