Take A Journey To The Past On A Trek Across Hegman Lake, A Minnesota Hike That Can Only Be Done In Wintertime
Minnesotans are a hardy bunch, and we rarely let bad weather stop us from having a good time. That’s why there are few things in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that you can’t do all year long. There are a few, though, and today we want to introduce you to a hike that you can only do in winter. Why? Because it’s across a frozen lake. Finish the hike, and you’ll come face-to-face with 500-year-old pictographs on a northern Minnesota cliff. Here’s all you need to know about taking a winter journey to the Hegman Lake Pictographs.
North Hegman Lake is a beautiful northern Minnesota lake around 15 miles north of Ely. It's a popular place to visit in the summertime, when canoeing is possible, thanks to the 500-year-old pictographs that line one of the lake's cliffs.
But for those who don't have canoes - or who simply don't enjoy paddling - there might be an easier way to cross the lake. Visit in winter, when North Hegman Lake is frozen, for a serene hike across the water.
Along the way, you'll see waterfront cliffs covered in ice and snow. It's much different from the lush landscape that makes up the lake in the warmer months.
While it is beautiful, this hike is not for the faint of heart. You'll need sturdy boots - or better yet, snowshoes or cross-country skis - to take the journey safely.
But if you're all bundled up and have the right equipment, this trip is a dream! It'll take about a half day to make it to your final destination and back.
When you reach the pictographs, you'll know your trip was worth it. Carefully drawn onto the cliff face in bright red pigment is a pictograph scene thought to be at least 500 years old.
The pictograph depicts a human, a moose, and what appears to be a set of canoes surrounding them. It's a fascinating glimpse into the people who first lived in Minnesota so long ago.
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.
