Minnesota may not be home to giant sequoias or ancient quaking aspen colonies, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our share of old-growth forests. There’s one ancient forest in Minnesota that’s home to 400-year-old-trees. When you visit, you’ll fall in love with the peaceful silence of the beautiful forest. Read on to learn about hiking through Minnesota’s Lost 40.

The Lost 40 is one of the most interesting places in Minnesota. You'll find it in Itasca County, part of Chippewa National Forest.
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The forest is full of old-growth pines. It's the result of a surveying error in the 1880s. The error was not corrected until 1960.
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As a result of the surveying error, two stands of forest were preserved. Totaling about 40 acres, it's one of the largest old-growth forests.
evilfoo/Flickr
The hike through the woods is nothing short of fantastic. It's about one mile, the perfect length for a quick jaunt.
evilfoo/Flickr
You'll come across many looming trees, including some that may be over 200 years old.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
This beautiful forest is well worth the visit. Your walk through the quiet woods will connect you to a Minnesota from long ago.
Brett Whaley/Flickr

Have you hiked the Lost 40? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! And if you love hiking, check out our list of 11 hikes in Minnesota that may be some of the greatest trails on Earth.

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