Big Bog State Recreation Area is a protected wilderness in the state Minnesota.

Understand

The protected area covers 500 sq mi (1,300 km²) of primarily peat bog, and is considered a true wilderness due to its great size and unspoiled state.

The greater Big Bog area includes the Upper Red Lake Peatland, a National Natural Landmark under the Historic Sites Act. It received this designation in 1975 from the United States Secretary of the Interior, giving it recognition as an outstanding example of the nation's natural history.

Also included in the greater Big Bog area is the Lost River Peatland, a designated Scientific and Natural Area for the state of Minnesota. It was designated in 1991. It is also an Audubon Important Bird Area, and contains the largest number of rare plant species of any peatland in Minnesota.

Flora and fauna

Common trees include tamarack, tag alder, cedar, diamond willow, black and white spruce, jackpine, and green ash and black ash with paper birch, "popple" or quaking aspen, white and red pines in the uplands. There are numerous rare plants, including carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants.

Animals include bald eagles, timber wolves, black bears, white-tailed deer, and moose.

Do

Boardwalk in the Big Bog State Recreation Area

A raised boardwalk across the bog allows visitors to explore one mile (1.6 km) into the "islands" of spruce within the bog, and the open wetlands. The boardwalk was designed to allow up to 37% of natural sunlight to fall through, allowing delicate bog plants to continue to grow under the walkway. Numerous signs identify aspects of the bog, including pitcher plants and an early failed attempt at draining the swamp lands. A parking pass must be purchased at the nature center nine miles south, on the northern side of the town of Waskish.

Go next

Routes through Big Bog State Recreation Area

Rainy River ← becomes ← Baudette ←

N  S

→ ENDS at N S