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
U.S. Forest Service
Laurentian Ranger District
318 Forestry Road
Aurora, MN 55705
218-229-8800