Many Minnesotans don't realize that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to many old-growth forests. There are eight, to be exact, spread through almost every region of the state. These forests hold trees that are hundreds of years old. They've been around longer than Minnesota has been an official state. You can find a full list of Minnesota's old-growth forests here. But today, we want to talk about one in particular. The trees at George Crosby Manitou State Park might just be the part of the oldest forest in Minnesota. When you visit this rugged park, you'll find trees that date back to the 1600s! Here's what you need to know:
George Crosby Manitou State Park is a nearly 6,700-acre park on Minnesota's North Shore. Established in 1995, the park is named after George Crosby Manitou, who donated the park's original lands.
The park is known for its rugged natural scenery. It is undeveloped, so there are many acres of undisturbed forest.
Guests can explore the forests along 24 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. In the winter, snowshoeing is also a common activity throughout the park. On these trails, guests can pass through what just might be the oldest forest in Minnesota.
The park is home to old-growth trees that are older than Minnesota itself. This image shows a cedar forest. White cedars in the park are up to 300 years old! There are also 200-year-old sugar maples.
But the oldest trees in the park are yellow birch. As soon as you see them, you can tell these trees are old, with their wide trunks and craggy branches.
The yellow birches in George Crosby Manitou State Park are up to 400 years old! The forest that holds these amazing trees may be the oldest in Minnesota. It's one of only 8 old-growth forests left in the state!
Have you ever visited George Crosby Manitou State Park? If you're interested in more Minnesota tree tourism, also visit the Lost 40.
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