Lady Slippers & Chippewa National Forest

The Chippewa National Forest was the first National Forest established east of the Mississippi River in 1908. Originally known as the Minnesota National Forest, the name was changed in 1928 to honor the original inhabitants. The forest has a rich history, ranging from prehistoric times to the early logging era and Civilian Conservation Corps days.

The Forest boundary encompasses about 1.6 million acres, with over 666,000 acres managed by the Chippewa National Forest. The remaining lands are State, County, Native American and private. The Leech Lake Indian Reservation is also within the Forest boundary.

Water is abundant on the Chippewa, with over 1300 lakes, 925 miles of streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands. The forest’s landscape is a reminder of the glaciers which blanketed northern Minnesota some 10,000 years ago.

The forest is also one of the largest breeding population areas of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Eagles are often viewed soaring over larger lakes of the area. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, and numerous waterfowl provide good wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Sensitive species such as the osprey, loon and great grey owl also make the Forest their home. The gray wolf and canada lynx are also present but rarely seen.

Water oriented recreation such as fishing, canoeing, camping, water-skiing, tubing and swimming are popular on the Chippewa. Twenty-three developed campgrounds, located on the major lakes, offer a place to relax or to fish muskie, walleye, northern pike, bass or sunfish. To “rough it” primitive campsites are available into more remote areas. Resorts are also located throughout the Forest. There are 298 miles of non-motorized trails to view the Chippewa National Forest and many miles of motorized recreation opportunities. Visitors have ample opportunities to hike and view spring wildflowers, bike along tranquil lakes, hunt grouse on a hunter walking trail or ski through the winter woods.

Over 150 people are employed by the Chippewa National Forest. Our jobs as specialists in archeology, wildlife, forestry, water, engineering and recreation enable us to manage the Forest for you. Together with computer support personnel we work as a team to carry our the Forest Service mission of “Caring for the land and serving people”.

Visit the Chippewa National Forest website.

The Lady Slipper Scenic Byway (15 minutes away)
The very best and safest place to view the orchids is at the Lady Slipper Interpretive Site, located about ½ mile north of The Scenic Store in Pennington. The site has safe, adequate parking and a boardwalk for close viewing of the lady’s slippers. Many small groups of the flowers can also be viewed by walking south from the site along the edge of the Pennington Bog Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). Please note, you need a permit from the Department of Natural Resources to enter the SNA. The Mississippi River Interpretive Site does not have orchids within the perimeter, but it is a safe place to park and a short walk along the road to the north brings you to several groups of lady’s slippers. A short walking loop trail is planned for the wooded area just to the north of the parking area.

The Lost 40
Experience the forest of yesteryear at the Lost 40. Minnesota was one of the largest timber-producing states in the country in the late 1800s, but 144 acres of red and white pines went untouched by loggers when a surveying error mapped the area as part of Coddington Lake. The survey crew's error in 1882, became one of Minnesota's greatest treasures. Today, less than two percent of Minnesota's forested land contains old growth timber. The Lost 40 pines are 300-400 years old, originating when the pilgrims came to America. The trees remain as remnants of the natural resources that drew people to new frontiers and shaping America’s character. A one-mile, self-guided trail winds its way through the towering pines of the Lost 40. ( One hour away)

Two nearby 9 hole golf courses.

Make your camping reservation on December 26, 2024 at Recreation.gov. at the Chippewa Loop campground. All sites have electricity and are $26 per night.