Beltrami Island State Forest

Welcome to Beltrami Island State Forest located in northern Minnesota not far from the Canadian border. This is the second largest State Forest in Minnesota.

Forest History: The first human inhabitants of Beltrami Island State Forest were Native Americans who arrived over 10,000 years ago. Archeologists have unearthed numerous artifacts inside the forest boundaries including arrowheads, spear points, and pieces of pottery.

In the early 18th century the first French Explorers arrived in the region while searching for a route to the Pacific Ocean. What they found instead was a lucrative fur trade and they adopted many of the ways of the Natives. British Influence in the region grew in 1760 when the Hudson Bay Company arrived but the U.S. did not gain complete control until 1818.

The "Old Crossing" Treaty of 1863 reserved much of this land for the Ojibwe tribe. In 1889 much of the land north of Upper Red Lake was ceded to the Federal Government.

In the early 20th century many farmers moved into the region only to discover that the soils were not suitable for farming. In the 1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps helped to restore the forest and build it's amenities.

The name Beltrami Island is named after an Italian Explorer who ventured into the region in 1823 while searching for the source of the Mississippi River. Though he never found the river's source he did venture into northern Minnesota. The word island comes from the forest highlands that may have once been an island in Glacial Lake Agazziz.

Flora and Fauna: Beltrami Island State Forest helps protect the home of numerous plant and animal species. Some of the plants that grow inside the forest boundaries include aspens, ashes, elms, Jack pines, Norway pines, and oaks. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include bears, wolves, foxes, coyotes, badgers, beavers, otters, raccoons, squirrels, moose, bald eagles, hawks, and wild turkeys. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Beltrami Island State Forest boasts many miles of multipurpose trails, numerous campgrounds, and so much more. Come on out and explore!