Two old growth forests in Minnesota will join the nationwide Old-Growth Forest Network. Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA and Lost 40 SNA have become the network’s first member forests in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and we couldn’t be prouder to have these premier examples of Minnesota’s North Woods landscape recognized on a national level.

The Old-Growth Forest Network is a non-profit that identifies old growth forests in the United States and works to raise awareness about them and their importance by connecting and educating people with nature.
Scott Hyder/AllTrails
The network has added Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA - the first National Natural Landmark in Minnesota - to its network.
The sanctuary sits on 1,600 acres of Lake Itasca shoreline within Itasca State Park.
Kendra Karwacki/AllTrails
It was first protected in 1939 - even before the Scientific and Natural Area program was established in the state. A couple trails in the area allow you to explore the forest and experience its primeval presence.
Among the trees in the sanctuary are some of the oldest and tallest examples of red and white pines in the state.
Jon Ellis/AllTrails
In fact, one of the largest red pine specimens in the nation (and biggest in the state) was located within the sanctuary until its tip was broken off in storm. But there are still plenty of awe-inspiring trees in the sanctuary.

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The other Minnesota addition to the Old-Growth Forest Network is the Lost 40 SNA.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
It is jointly managed by the Minnesota DNR and the Chippewa National Forest.
The 114-acre forest was famously spared from logging by a surveying error.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
As a consequence, it's home to some of the oldest and largest red and white pine trees in Minnesota.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Many of the trees in this tract are 300 to 400 years old, like this massive white pine, which is estimated to be more than 350 years old.
The loop trail in the Lost 40 is a short, easy hike, and a trek to this spot should be on every Minnesotan's bucket list.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState
A hike through one of these forests is a magical, yet humbling experience.

These two tracts make up only a small portion of Minnesota’s 48,000 protected acres of old-growth forest, but they are two of the most exemplary and accessible. In celebration of their inclusion in the Old-Growth Forest network, which has identified more than 200 forests across 35 states, the Minnesota DNR is hosting a pair of events to highlight these natural wonders in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. On October 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., members of the public are welcome to join an interpretive hike in the Lost 40. The following day, Friday, October 13, 2023, will kick off a celebration of old-growth forests in Itasca State Park. Visit the DNR website for more details. These are the first two of a series of planned events and public hikes highlighting old growth forests in Minnesota.

Cell service is spotty (at best!) in these areas, so I always download trail maps before I go. Personally, I like AllTrails Plus for offline trail maps because it allows me to preview trails in 3D and syncs with the Health app on my phone.

Have you visited either of these two old-growth forests in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!

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