Forest Information
The Superior National Forest is located in the northeast corner
of Minnesota. It is comprised of 3,000,000 acres. There are 27
developed campgrounds, 20 of which meet the selection criteria.
Located within the "Arrowhead" of Minnesota, Superior National Forest is bound on two sides by water - Lake Superior running along its southeastern side; and, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) along the northern edge. Water and ice are the defining features of the Superior National Forest and its history. Glacial ice carved not only Lake Superior but hundreds of other lakes that compose the BWCAW some ten to fifteen thousand years ago. As the ice receded its melt filled the lakes and established the boreal forest ecosystem. This ecosystem has supported the native plants and animals and provided economic opportunities to the region even before the Voyageurs ventured across the area. Today the boreal forest ecosystem is managed and maintained by the Forest Service and experienced and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. For outstanding recreational opportunities and magnificent camping locations it would be hard to find a place better than the Superior National Forest.
As in all National Forests, Superior offers a variety of recreational activities that range from hiking to camping to wildlife watching. However, only Superior has the BWCAW. This area, composed of 2,000 lakes, is accessible principally by canoe but several developed campgrounds are located near enough to allow canoe day trips into the BWCAW. (Camping within the BWCAW is classified as "dispersed" and not included in this campground review.)
One of the most picturesque "near-wilderness" campground is Trails End located at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Located some fifty miles from Grand Marais, the view of glacier-carved landscape from its camp sites makes the trip well-worth the drive. Here, one can directly access the BWCAW and take advantage of an outfitter at the campground entrance. Trails End campground offers a pleasant mixture of car, tent, recreational vehicle (RV) and motor camping sites and great blueberry picking opportunities.
Although the views are not as spectacular at Sawbill Lake campground, campers do have an opportunity to camp along the Lake's shoreline. This campground has "near- wilderness" feel while still offering RV and motorhome-friendly camping locations. Plus nearby, the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters offers canoe rentals, hot showers, firewood, and some groceries.
The legacy left by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) can be found throughout the Forest and Boundary Waters. The stonework of the CCC is seen at canoe portages and the log structures attest to the CCC's presence. An excellent example of a CCC workmanship can be found at South Kawishiwi River campground's log pavilion with a fireplace. This structure was built in 1933 and is still providing service to the public.
A part of nature is disease and death. A common sight within the forest during our visit were thousands of diseased or dead Spruce trees. Victims of the naturally occurring Spruce Budworm, the death of these trees helps in keeping the forest ecosystem in balance. Everything is interwoven into the balance of an ecosystem, including the visitor's presence.
The Superior National Forest offers a variety of activities for any season. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are available in the winter. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, and canoeing are good in the summer. And just simply sitting and enjoy this magnificent Forest is great any time of the year. All can be enjoyed within the Superior National Forest.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
8901 Grand Avenue Pl.
Duluth, Minnesota 55808
218-626-4300
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Gunflint
P.O.B. 790
Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604
218-387-1750
Kawishiwi
118 S. 4th Ave. East
Ely, Minnesota 55731
218-365-7600
LaCroix
P.O.B. 1085
Cook, Minnesota 55723
218-666-5251
Laurentian
318 Forestry Rd.
Aurora, Minnesota 55705
218-229-3371
Tofte
P.O.B. 2157
Tofte, Minnesota 55615
218-663-7280 |
