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Posted in Minnesota Nature March 22, 2018 by Betsy Rathburn

The Ancient Forest In Minnesota That’s Right Out Of A Storybook

Minnesota gets a lot of attention for its 10,000 lakes, and rightfully so. But what about its forests? Minnesota is home to over 17 million acres of forest, including 54 state forests. These are full of many different kids of trees, flowers, and other foliage – not to mention wildlife. One of the most notable forests? Superior National Forest, the ancient forest in Minnesota that looks like something out of a storybook.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

Superior National Forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of woods northern Minnesota's Arrowhead along the Canadian border.

There are many types of trees in this boreal forest, including pine, birch, oak, maple, aspen, and more.

Though the forest has been affected by logging, the quiet and beauty are reminders of its ancient roots. The land these trees grow on has a long history.

The land in that region is the result of glacial drift, which scraped much of the land down to its ancient bedrock.

It also left many of the lakes you'll find nestled among the trees in this region. A visit to any of these secluded lakes is nothing short of magical - especially during sunrise or sunset.

The forest is also home to the grandest view in all of Minnesota. The summit of Eagle Mountain, at 2,301 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Minnesota. You'll be able to see for miles around.

Miles of rugged trails through the woods offer views most of us only see in pictures. You'll feel like you're on an epic, faraway journey.

And when you need a place to stop, there are plenty of campsites along the way. Each is surrounded by an immaculate natural landscape on all sides, often in easy walking distance to great fishing spots.

If you're lucky, you might even run into some wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and rabbits are common. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of something a little bigger, like deer, moose, or a fox!

All in all, this gorgeous forest is well worth visiting.

Walking through it is like walking through a storybook, with beautiful landscapes and wildlife around every corner.

Have you been to Superior National Forest? Let us know what you thought!

Betsy Rathburn

Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.