There’s A Hike In Minnesota That Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Village

If you care to look for it, history can be found in every corner of Minnesota - even along hiking trails near Brainerd, Minnesota. Signs of ancient people, such as Jeffers Petroglyphs or Indian Mounds Park, are attractions that offer clues to the ancient past. There are more recent historical sites as well, such as Fort Snelling or the Forestville ghost town. But these well-known attractions barely scratch the surface of Minnesota historical sites. There are plenty of others that do not get as much attention. For example, there's an abandoned village at Crow Wing State Park in northern Minnesota. Take a hike through the park to discover this little-known piece of Minnesota history. Here's what you need to know:

Crow Wing State Park is a 3,100-acre state park in central Minnesota. It's about 10 miles south of Brainerd and 120 miles north of Minneapolis.

The park is situated where the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers meet. A mixed forest of pine, aspen, and oak crowds along the riverbanks.

There are 18 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. They lead along the rivers, across grassy clearings, and through a forest thick with foliage and wildlife. The trails alone make the park worth visiting!

One trail in particular leads to an abandoned townsite once known as Old Crow Wing. Follow the short but fascinating boardwalk trail to discover the old town, which was first occupied by the Ojibwe people.

Later, European traders came to the area. The convenient river location drew in many people. Old Crow Wing had more than 500 residents at its peak.

The most prominent part of the townsite - and the only structure still remaining - is the Beaulieu House. Built in 1849, it was the home of Clement Beaulieu, who ran the trading post here.

In 1868, the Ojibwe who lived in Crow Wing were moved to the White Earth Indian Reservation. Soon after, the town's structures were moved. Today, little evidence remains except for signs where structures used to be.

Your visit to Crow Wing State Park will show you another side of Minnesota's history as you walk along the beautiful trails through a forgotten ghost town.

Crow Wing State Park is definitely worth the trip - for both the hike and the history. Not to mention, you'll be in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area.

Have you ever visited Crow Wing State Park or any other hiking trails near Brainerd, Minnesota? What other historic places in Minnesota do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!