It is just possible that there is a place in Minnesota you haven't been. A place that is hundreds of years old, yet is renewing itself daily. A place that holds mystery and excitement, unknown sounds and eerie sights for all who enter its realm.
This Minnesota location is a naturalists dream come true. It is also a place where an outdoors enthusiast can wonder at their surroundings and reflect on thoughts of those who trod here before.
Write this down. The place I am talking about is Minnesota's "Lost Forty".
There are few places left in this bustling, contemporary world to truly get away from it all. The "Lost Forty" area of the Chippewa National Forest offers this kind of quiet solitude, and a chance to see some rare, 300-400 year-old red and white pines.
Believe it or not, all that is left of Minnesota's native old growth forest can be found in a 144-acre segment known as the "Lost Forty."
ADVERTISEMENT
An 1882 survey crew accidentally preserved this 144-acre corner of the woods from the logger's axe in the late 19th century due to a fortunate error. Or maybe the surveyor hiccupped as he drew a line across a map of this part of Minnesota.
Less than two percent of Minnesota's forested land today is old-growth, never logged forest. So remnants of virgin forest such as the "Lost Forty" are special places.
This site includes a narrow peninsula extending from a large upland esker. The peninsula is flanked by a black spruce and tamarack bog on one side, and a willow and alder marsh on the other. The area contains 28 acres of red pine forest and 18 acres of spruce-fir forest. The virgin old-growth red pine forest is the largest and oldest stand in the Blackduck Forestry Area.
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 ... that means pick up after yourself.
The "Lost Forty" is off the beaten path, about 28 miles east of Blackduck, in the center of northern Minnesota. (The largest cities in this area are Bemidji, to the southwest, and Grand Rapids, to the southeast.)
ADVERTISEMENT
A self-guided, one-mile nature trail winds through the majestic stand of pines. On most days, you're likely to have the trail to yourself.
The Chippewa National Forest offers hiking trails, primitive camping, fishing lakes and great birding. While traveling to the "Lost Forty," stop at the National Forest district offices in Blackduck, Marcell, Deer River or the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center for maps and information on the Chippewa.
If you haven't visited this unique Minnesota location, you're missing a fabulous outdoor experience.
Johnson, who works with the Minnesota Office of Tourism in St. Paul, can be reached at (651) 297-3488 or via e-mail at curt.johnson@state.mn.us
