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Nature|Forests

Vast Woods Await At Beltrami Island State Forest, Where You’ll Find The Headwaters Of Five Minnesota Rivers

Beltrami Island State Forest in Minnesota offers diverse flora, fauna, and scenic views, making it a perfect nature adventure destination.

Published Aug 4, 2020

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also home to many state forests - 58, to be exact. Most are found up north, and all are full of beauty. Visitors will find diverse groupings of trees, beautiful wildflowers, fascinating animals, and incredible views. Near the Canadian border, there's one Minnesota state forest that has all of these things and more. Beltrami Island State Forest is a vast expanse that is home to the headwaters of five Minnesota rivers. Next time you're looking for a nature adventure in Minnesota, head up to this state forest to explore woodlands, rivers, and much more. Here's what you need to know:

Beltrami Island State Forest is a vast forest found in three northern Minnesota counties: Lake of the Woods, Roseau, and Beltrami. It is a long drive from most of Minnesota's major cities, so you'll likely want to plan a weekend excursion if you'd like to visit.

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Google Maps

The forest stretches across more than 703,000 acres, making it the second-largest state forest in Minnesota. It's also home to the state's largest wildlife management area, the 321,000-acre Red Lake Wildlife Management Area.

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nstig8r1123/Google

The forest is filled with many kinds of trees. Most are spruce, tamarack, and white cedar. Aspen and several types of pine are also prominent in some areas.

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mosjitsu/Google

Many people enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on the man trails throughout the forest. There are also some snowmobile trails for winter use.

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bradford fish/Google

As you move through the forest, you'll soon see why this vast stretch of land is worth visiting. The peaceful silence is interrupted only by the sounds of animals and the rustling of branches.

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mosijitsu/Google

If you look closely, you'll be able to see some of those animals. Many live in the forest, from common birds to rare bears, wolves, and moose. Smaller living things, such as native wildflowers, are also fun to spot.

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USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr

Not only does Beltrami Island State Forest have plenty of trees, flowers, and animals. It's also home to the headwaters of five Minnesota rivers: the Roseau, Winter Road, Moose, Warroad, and Rapid.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

You'll likely come across at least one of these rivers on your trip to the forest. Beltrami Island is full of immense beauty and plentiful peace and quiet!

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Andy Witchger/Flickr

Have you ever visited Beltrami Island State Forest? What did you think? For more information about other state forests, check out our list of 8 amazing state forests in Minnesota.

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Nature|Forests

The 2.3-Mile Hiking Trail in Minnesota That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

Discover the stunning fall foliage on the Oberg Mountain Loop hike in Minnesota. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest.

Published Sep 19, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

When you go looking for fall foliage in Minnesota, you'll find no shortage of options. The incredible hardwoods along the Minnesota and St. Croix River bluffs are stunning. And places like Lake Maria and Maplewood State Parks never disappoint when the trees slip on their autumn mantles. But there's one place that kicks of leaf peeping season like no other, and the short - albeit moderately challenging - hike to reach the most spectacular views is nothing short of a fall foliage wonderland. If you haven't figured out the place yet, I'm talking about the Oberg Mountain Loop near Tofte, MN, and you need to put this trail on your list of must-do fall hikes in Minnesota.

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A serene lakeside view with autumn foliage, featuring trees and rocky terrain under a cloudy sky.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

To get to Oberg Mountain, you'll need to head up to the spectacular North Shore of Lake Superior and scenic Minnesota Hwy. 61. This drive, itself, is one of the best ways to enjoy fall in Minnesota. You'll definitely enjoy the journey, but believe me: It'll be even better when you're on the trail!

A brown sign points to the Oberg Loop Hiking Trail, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and fallen leaves.

Alyssa Novak/AllTrails

You'll start the hike from the Oberg Mountain trailhead, which is just off Onion River Rd., between Tofte and Lutsen. The Ray Berglund State Wayside (home to one of my favorite waterfalls), which is located right on the Onion River, makes a good landmark - the turnoff to the trailhead is a few hundred feet northeast of the wayside.

A child stands on a winding trail surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in a sunny forest.
Ted Jones/AllTrails

You'll start off on the Superior Hiking Trail, and as you hike along, look for a sign directing you to the Oberg Loop - it's a spur trail off the SHT, and it's pretty well marked. Even so, I usually use AllTrails Plus so I know where I am, how far I have to go, and what kind of elevation I'm looking at. (The total gain on this trail is a respectable 508 feet.)

Vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red and orange overlooking a vast forest and calm blue lake under a cloudy sky.
Chris Rolson/AllTrails

Along the way, you'll be treated to incredible views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest. But the real payoff happens when you reach the Oberg Lake overlook and witness amazing, fiery foliage encircling the lake and stretching into the distance all the way to the horizon. It's a truly breathtaking spectacle.

Aerial view of a vibrant autumn landscape with a circular lake surrounded by colorful fall foliage and mist.
Taylor Bjork/Getty Images

One of the best things about basking in the fall foliage at Oberg Mountain is that it tends to peak before a lot of other places in Minnesota - so, you're not missing out on all the fabulous foliage in the southern part of the state by making a mid-September trip up to Tofte. Definitely take some time and spend a day or two in the area. Take the gondola at Lutsen Mountains for a fantastic aerial view of the foliage, then grab lunch or dinner at Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais. There are plenty of places to stay within minutes of Oberg Mountain. I like a beautiful, clifftop condo near Tofte that's perched above the Lake Superior shoreline, so you can enjoy incredible views even when you're not on the trail.

Have you hiked the Oberg Mountain Loop in Minnesota in the fall? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to let us know about some of your other favorite fall foliage hikes in Minnesota.

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Nature|Forests

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Minnesota’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Minnesota offers stunning fall foliage with peak viewing times varying by region, aided by the Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

It’s about the time of year when we begin to wonder, “When do leaves change color in Minnesota?” One tool that helps me make decisions about where and when to go to see fall colors in Minnesota is the Fall Foliage Prediction Map from SmokyMountains.com.

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The map offers county-level predictions for the progression of fall colors across the United States. To see when and where colors will approach and reach their peak in Minnesota, simply use the slider at the bottom of the Fall Foliage Prediction Map. As you move the date later, you’ll see the Minnesota fall foliage map’s 2024 forecast for the state’s counties.

Fall in Minnesota is getting started early this year in the northern part of the state, as areas along the North Shore had already reported color changes in the first week of September.

Vibrant autumn foliage covers a hillside, with a clear blue sky and a lake visible in the background.
Donovan Reese/Getty Images

Oberg Mountain to Lutsen, for example, are already beginning to turn. Look for the Arrowhead and areas near the Boundary Waters to peak by the end of the month. So, if you’re looking for fall colors in Minnesota in September, I recommend heading for the North Shore!

Take a hike in Cascade River State Park or from one of the Superior Hiking Trail trailheads northeast of Minnesota Hwy. 1. Another great way to experience fall colors along the North Shore is a ride on the Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains resort.

By late September and early October, start looking for fall colors in Minnesota a little farther south.

A serene river flows between rocky cliffs, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and clear blue skies.
JenniferPhotographyImaging/Getty Images

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway north of Taylors Falls is always beautiful for autumn colors. Other good options for the middle part of the season include Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids and Schoolcraft State Park. Personally, Lake Maria State Park is one of my favorite places to go for mid-autumn tree bathing. The park’s Big Woods remnant forest simply blazes when it peaks in early to mid-October!

Now, you don’t start looking for foliage until mid-October, your best bet is going to be southern Minnesota. The Mississippi River valley tends to hold onto its fall colors for a little longer than other parts of the state - it’s those stubborn oak trees - but Forestville/Mystery Cave and Camden State Parks are also solid late-fall contenders.

A scenic view of a river surrounded by lush greenery and autumn-colored trees under a clear blue sky.
Sank63/Flickr

You could even use the Foliage Prediction Map to make your plans for packing up the car and heading out on a fall colors road trip. Do you have plans for leaf peeping this fall? Let us know in the comments!

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