Most people, whether they've been here or not, know Minnesota as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Those who have set foot in our state also realize that there are plenty of forests, rivers, and prairies in Minnesota as well. But did you know that there's also a vast bog in Minnesota? You can visit it easily by taking an adventure to the secluded Big Bog State Recreation Area. It's a bit out of the way for most Minnesotans, but it's full of wonderfully weird wildlife that you'll want to take a peek at. Read on below to learn about Minnesota's bog boardwalk:
Big Bog State Recreation Area is a 9,400-acre recreation area in northern Minnesota. It's about 270 miles north of the Twin Cities, or 170 miles northwest of Duluth. The nearest city is Bemidji, about 60 miles south.
Despite its distance from most major cities, the bog is well worth visiting. It's easy to explore, with a 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail that takes you deep into the bog. It lets visitors see a place that was once inaccessible during the summertime.
The boardwalk will take you to one of the most interesting natural areas in Minnesota. Being a bog, many plants grow here. Some are more common, such as this black spruce seedling...
...to a wide array of smaller plants. All you need to do is peer over the edge of the boardwalk, and you'll find a ground covered in interesting colors and textures.
You may be surprised to discover that this bog is home to carnivorous plants! Insects fall into the plants, getting trapped in their digestive liquid. The plants then use nutrients from the insects!
Other unique plants include mosses, native orchids, and more. There are plant species here that you can't find anywhere else in Minnesota!
Because of the plants, the bog is also teeming with wildlife. Insects, birds, and some mammals make homes here. If you're lucky, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the varied wildlife that thrives at Big Bog State Recreation Area!
Have you ever been to Big Bog State Recreation Area? Let us know what you thought in the comments! And if you're interested in other unique natural areas, check out our past area about the vast Louisville Swamp at the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
