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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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Minnesota
Arrowhead Region
George H Crosby Manitou State Park
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GEORGE H CROSBY MANITOU STATE PARK
GEORGE H CROSBY MANITOU STATE PARK
5702 Highway 61
Silver Bay, Minnesota   55614

Phone: 218-226-6365
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
Come to this north-country wilderness park where waterfalls cascade through a volcanic canyon surrounded by majestic forest. The trails in the park are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods. Although the trails are steep and challenging for hikers and backpackers, they offer spectacular views. Secluded campsites are for backpackers only. Trout (brown, rainbow, and brook) and splake (a hybrid of brook and lake trout) reside in Benson Lake. Watch for moose, deer, bear, and wolves.
Nature of the Area
The park has a wilderness of fir, cedar, spruce and northern hardwoods to explore. The beautiful old-growth stands are protected as part of a Scientific and Natural Area. Waterfalls and Benson Lake add to the enjoyment of visitors who come to this park to get away from crowds.

Volcanoes spewed fiery lava which cooled and built up in thick layers along the shore. Later, when glaciers moved down from the north, they scraped and dislodged the rock. As the melting glacier retreated, they left piles of rock and soil again changing the shape of the park. The last glacier left a large meltwater lake behind the shoreline ridge which drained into Lake Superior. This drainage route is now the Manitou River. Today, the rough, tumbling waters of this river still work to change the course of the gorge through which it flows.

This is a rugged, wilderness park where bears, wolves, moose and deer share the trails with hikers. The park has many different birds and small animals like snowshoe hare, red squirrels, Canadian jays, sharp-shinned hawks and beaver. Two large birds that hikers often see feeding along the trail are the ruffed and spruce grouse.

History of the Area
The park was a donation from George H. Crosby, a mining magnate who had been involved in the development of both the Mesabi and Cuyuna iron ranges. The state eagerly accepted the gift of this 3,320-acre tract on the Manitou River and formally established it as a state park in 1955. From the beginning, the decision was made to limit development of this park. Instead of the customary campground, the park has primitive campsites scattered through the park, accessible only by foot trail. George Crosby Manitou State Park was the first park in the system to be designed primarily for backpackers and remains a backpack-only park.
Fishing
The park offers river and lake fishing, with options for shore or canoe angling. Species include brook trout and rainbow trout. The Benson Lake is stocked annually with walleye fry. Ice fishing in winter months provides a different experience.


Location
George H Crosby Manitou State Park is

Picnicking
George H Crosby Manitou State Park offers picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a family outing or romantic lunch.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 160 species recorded. Birders can spot warblers, thrushes and hawks among others in various habitats including forests, wetlands and lakeshores. The Benson Lake area is particularly popular for waterfowl sightings while the hiking trails provide chances to see woodland birds.

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Directions
From the village of Finland, go 7 miles north on Lake County Road 7.

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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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