Chippewa National Forest

Welcome to the first National Forest established east of the Mississippi River, the Chippewa National Forest, an oasis of prairies, northern hardwood and northern boreal forest sprawled across northern Minnesota.

Forest History: Before the arrival of European settlers Native American tribes such as the Dakota and Anishinabe occupied the region that is now Chippewa National Forest as far back as 10,000 years ago. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill establishing Chippewa National Forest into law.

Flora and Fauna: The Chippewa National Forest helps protect the home of numerous plant and animal species. Some of the plants that grow inside the forest boundaries include maples, oaks, and goblin ferns. Some of the wild critters who call this place home include moose, bald eagles, squirrels, deer, and many others. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Chippewa National Forest boasts over 925 miles of rivers, hundreds of miles of multipurpose trails, 1,300 lakes, and so much more. Come on out and explore.

The Chippewa National Forest grew by 33 acres in June of 2021.