Woods and Waters Region, Minnesota Attractions
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The Woods and Waters Region of Minnesota is the location where the Mississippi River gets its start. The scenery and lakes, such as Big Winnie, Red Mille Lacs and Leech provide good opportunities for fishing, golfing, biking or relaxing by the water. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are available during the winter months.
Chippewa National Forest, Cass Lake, Minnesota
Chippewa National Forest, central North Minnesota, is an area with many lakes, the largest being Lake Leech, which has more than 4,500 members of the Minnesota Chippewa tribe living along its shores.The Chippewa National Forest encompasses 1.6 million acres with aspen, birch, pine, balsam fir and maple trees located upland. More than 1300 lakes, miles of rivers and streams, and 400,000 acres of wetlands are found within the boundaries.
Aitkin County Historical Society Museums, Aitkin, Minnesota
The Depot Museum is housed in the 1916 Northern Pacific Depot in Aitkin. Exhibits feature riverboating on the upper Mississippi, native culture and unique artifacts. The Log Museum was the first home of the Aitkin County Historical Society, constructed in 1950 of native cedar logs. Displays include the county's logging heritage, agricultural implements, and tools from the building trades.
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Holt, Minnesota
The Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge was drained and destroyed as a habitat in the early 1900s through an unsuccessful farming attempt. The area has since been restored and is home to more than 100,000 water and shore birds. Observation towers allow visitors to view a variety of bird, animal and plant life.
Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Moorhead, Minnesota
The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center in Moorhead features a 77ft/23m replica of an ancient Viking ship, the Hjemkomst, built by Robert Asp. The Hopperstad Replica Stave Church located on the grounds is a replica of the 12th-century church Hopeprstad Stavkyrkje in Vik, Norway.
Moose Lake Depot Museum, Moose Lake, Minnesota
The Moose Lake Depot is housed in the former Soo Line Depot featuring exhibits about the history of the area railroads as well as telling the story of the huge 1918 fire. The fire burned through 250,000 acres, took more than 450 lives, and devastated the Moose Lake-Kettle River area.
Thief River Falls - Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village
Named after a local Norwegian immigrant, the Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village in consists of 19 buildings including a museum, two railroad depots, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, log houses, a general store, a two-story Victorian house, a blacksmith shop, and a barber shop.
Walker, Minnesota
Walker (pop. 1,000) was founded in 1896, shortly after the railroad came from Brainerd to Walker. The town was named for Thomas Walker, a pioneer lumberman. This popular vacation spot features fishing, biking, boating, hiking and swimming opportunities.
Cass County Museum
The Cass County Museum in Walker features archival files, photos, newspapers, and a library that present the history of the county through pioneer relics, including an early 20th-century school.
Museum of Wildlife and Indian Artifacts
The Museum of Wildlife and Indian Artifacts in Walker features wildlife dioramas and Ojibwe Indian artifacts.
Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd (pop. 13,000) was established in 1871 by the North Pacific Railroad. Recreational opportunities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, bicycling and skating.
Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum
The Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum is housed in the former sheriff's house and county jail in Brainerd. Exhibits feature items from the railroad, logging, mining, American Indian artifacts and pioneer life.
Northland Arboretum
The Northland Arboretum covers 500 acres and features the Monet Bridge & Pond, the DNR Landscaping for Wildlife project, and the Girl Scout Secret Garden. There are over 20 kilometers of hiking and cross-country ski trails.
Paul Bunyan Amusement Center
The Paul Bunyan Center in Brainerd features more than 40 rides and attractions as well as a 26-foot statue of Paul Bunyan who greets visitors by name.
Hill Annex Mine State Park, Calumet, Minnesota
The Hill Annex Mine State Park features a Mine Tour that is offered through the park by 90-minute bus ride. Visitors learn about the history and methods of iron ore mining in northern Minnesota.
Carlton County History and Heritage Center, Cloquet, Minnesota
The Carlton County History & Heritage Center in Cloquet presents exhibits that depict the history of the area from about 1860, including a description of the 1918 fire that destroyed much of the county and the original town of Cloquet.
Polk County Museum, Crookston, Minnesota
Polk County Museum in Crookston displays hundreds of historical items representing local 19th-century life. Part of the exhibit includes a small chapel with an altar, pulpit, pews, and religious artifacts.
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Detroit Lakes used to be called "Tylertown" and "Detroit". It offers summer recreational opportunities such as cycling, tubing, fishing and water sports on 412 lakes. Winter recreation includes snowmobiling, cross-country and downhill skiing.
Becker County Museum
The Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes features the natural and social history of the area. Exhibits include a furnished pioneer cabin, an Ojibwe birchbark wigwam, a military exhibit, antique vehicles and other historic items.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
The 43,000 acre Tamarac National Widlife Refuge serves as a breeding ground and sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife. Fishing, picnicking, hiking, boating and cross-country skiing are available.
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Grand Rapids (pop. 7,800) is the navigational headwaters of the Mississippi River. Due to its proximity to the river and nearby logging camps, the area became an outfitting location for woodsmen in the 1800s.
Forest History Center
The Forest History Center near Grand Rapids is a replica of a late 19th C logging camp. Daily routines of the lumberjack in 1900 are brought to life by costumed guides. Exhibits include forest history, a log drive, a 1934 forest ranger cabin, and nature and cross-country skiing trails.
Itasca Heritage Center Museum
Visitors to the Itasca Heritage Center Museum can travel the yellow brick road which leads to the restored 1895 school. Exhibits include the Ice Age, with the Woolly Mammoth tusk; how the Native Americans lived; the paper industry; and the Mississippi River.
Judy Garland Birthplace Historic House
The Birthplace of Judy Garland in Grand Rapids has been restored to its 1925 appearance. The one-acre garden on the grounds features Judy Garland Roses, a field of poppies and an apple grove.
Children's Discovery Museum
The Children's Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids features interactive play with hands-on arts and science exhibits. Memorabilia from Judy Garland films, including the Wizard of Oz, are on display.
Deep Portage Conservation Reserve and Interpretive Center, Hackensack, Minnesota
The Deep Portage Conservation Reserve and Interpretive Center features hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The wildflower garden has displays about local geology and wildlife.
Hinckley - Hinckley Fire Museum
The Hinckley Fire Museum is housed in a restored railroad depot and commemorates the fire that destroyed the town in 1894 as well as the survivors and heroes. Photographs, newspaper accounts and items from the fire are on display.
Father Hennepin State Park, Isle, Minnesota
Father Hennepin State Park west of Isle offers swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The park was named in memory of Father Hennepin and his party who were captured by American Indians in 1860.
McGregor, Minnesota
Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa are just north of McGregor (pop. 400). Both Lakes are filled with Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass and Pan Fish like Sunnie and Crappie.
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located 5mi/8km south of McGregor. It is a sanctuary that offers shelter to white-tailed deer, black bears, ruffed and sharp-tail grouse, ducks and geese.
Sandy Lake Lock and Dam
Located within Sandy Lake Recreation Area the Sandy Lake Lock and Dam near McGregor was originally built of wood in 1859 and then replaced with concrete in 1911. The lockhouse features American Indian artifacts and fur trading displays.
Onamia, Minnesota
Onamia (pop. 850) is located on Mille Lacs Lake. The town began in 1908 when lumbering was a major industry and the first trains reached the town. More than 1,000 Indian mounds are located along the shoreline.
Mille Lacs Indian Museum
The "thousand lakes" were once the heartland of the Dakota Indians and home to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum.The Mille Lacs Indian Museum presents the history and culture of the Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe Indians. The craft room serves as a demonstration area for traditional cooking, birch-bark basketry and beadwork.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park north of Onamia features 9,000 years of human history as a result of the Dakota Sioux Indians congregating in the area. The park offers camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and swimming opportunities.
North West Company Fur Post, Pine City, Minnesota
The North West Company Fur Post near Pine City (pop. 3,000) is a reconstructed 1804 trading post and an Ojibwe wigwam. Costumed guides demonstrate frontier cooking and describe the lives of fur traders.
Woodtick Musical Theatre, Akeley, Minnesota
The Woodtick Musical Theatre offers a variety show that includes country, bluegrass, gospel music and comedy routines.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, Bemidji, Minnesota
Bemidji is home to massive statues of Paul Bunyan who was a mythical lumberjack and Babe, his Blue Ox.
Park Rapids, Minnesota
Park Rapids (pop. 3,300) was founded in 1880 as a logging town. It is a popular spot for fishing and hiking the Heartland Trail.
Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park, 30 mi. west of Chippewa National Forest, has a small stream that is believed to be the origin of the Mississippi.Set up in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota. It has virgin Norway pine trees and many specimens of wild animals, trees and native plants. The Itasca Indian Cemetery and Wegmann's Cabin are found on the grounds and Wilderness Drive allows for hiking and biking.
Original Hubbard County Courthouse
The 1900 County Courthouse in Park Rapids was saved from demolition in 1977 and now houses the Hubbard County Historical Museum. The museum features Civil War relics, a late 19th-century schoolroom and office, and exhibits depicting the history of Park Rapids. The art museum has a collection of European paintings that range from the 15th to 19th C.
Deer Town (closed)
ATTRACTION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.Deer Town has been designed to look like a frontier village. Wildlife include deer that can be fed by hand and trained bears. The Billy Goat Gruff Bridge, a children's farm, trout pond, museum and playground are other highlights.
