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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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Southern Region
Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest
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MINNESOTA MEMORIAL HARDWOOD STATE FOREST
MINNESOTA MEMORIAL HARDWOOD STATE FOREST
The Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest is a beautiful and expansive woodland located in the eastern part of the state. It covers over 73,000 acres of land and is known for its diverse and flourishing hardwood trees, including oak, maple, and basswood. The forest serves as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of Minnesota and provides a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to explore and appreciate nature. It offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and hunting, as well as camping facilities for those who wish to spend more time immersed in its natural beauty. With its picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity, the Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest is a true gem that showcases the state's commitment to honoring its heroes and preserving its environmental heritage.
History of the Area
The Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest is located in northern Minnesota, within Beltrami, Cass, and Hubbard counties. It was established as a memorial forest in 1925 to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.

Before the memorial forest's establishment, the area was heavily logged, with most of the original hardwood forests being removed. Recognizing the need for reforestation and conservation efforts, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) took steps to restore the area.

Starting in the 1920s, the DNR began purchasing land in the region to create the memorial forest. The goal was to protect and restore the native hardwood forests that once thrived there. Additionally, the memorial forest aimed to serve as a living tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

The DNR has engaged in reforestation efforts, planting hardwood trees such as red oak, sugar maple, basswood, and more. The forest covers over 12,200 acres and spans several counties, making it one of the most significant state forests in Minnesota.

In addition to reforestation, the Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. The forest features trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. It is also open for hunting, fishing, and trapping, following the regulations set by the DNR.
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Trails
1. Lost 40 Trail: This is a one-mile self-guided interpretive trail that takes hikers through the "Lost 40", an area of virgin pine forest that was missed by loggers in the late nineteenth century due to surveying errors.

2. Suomi Hills Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area Trails: These trails cover over twenty miles and are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing depending on seasonality. The terrain varies from flat areas to steep hills with beautiful views of lakes and forests along the way.

3. Cut Foot Sioux Recreation Area Trails: A network of interconnected loops offering more than fifteen miles worth exploring either on foot or bike during summer months while winter allows for excellent opportunities at cross country skiing as well as snowmobiling across groomed paths.

4. Simpson Creek Loop Trail: An eight mile loop trail located near Deer River which features stunning lake views throughout its course making it ideal for bird watching enthusiasts too!

5. Talmoon-Kego Springs Hiking Route: It's approximately six-miles long route leading you through dense hardwoods where wildlife sightings such as deer, foxes and various species of birds are common occurrences.

6. Winnibigoshish Lake Shoreline Walkway: Along this walkway stretching about three miles alongside Winnie's southern shoreline offers breathtaking sunset vistas besides providing ample fishing spots enroute.

7. Schoolcraft State Park Pathways: Named after Henry Schoolcraft who charted headwaters Mississippi river these pathways meander amidst towering pines beside tranquil waters giving visitors chance experience untouched wilderness firsthand.

8. Pokegama Dam Recreational Site Paths: Situated close Grand Rapids they offer short yet scenic walks around Pokegoma dam site featuring picnic facilities playground equipment etcetera catering families children especially.

9. Mississippi Headwater Boardwalk- Located within Itasca state park just outside Memorial Hardwood Forest, this boardwalk takes you to the very source of Mississippi River and offers interpretive signs explaining local flora fauna along its half: mile stretch.

10. Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp Trails: These are multi-use trails that extend for over 25 miles through a variety of landscapes including wetlands, hardwood forests and pine plantations offering horseback riders an opportunity to enjoy Minnesota's natural beauty in unique way.

11. Squaw Lake Hiking Trail: A moderate difficulty level trail stretching about four-miles long which is best used from April until October providing hikers with beautiful wild flowers during spring summer months besides scenic lake views throughout year round.

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Directions
1. Start by heading north on Interstate 35W for approximately 70 miles.
2. Take exit 235B to merge onto MN:33 North towards Cloquet/Duluth.
3. Continue driving on MN:33 North for about 60 miles until you reach the town of Moose Lake.
4. In Moose Lake, turn left onto County Road 10 and continue following it for around 28 miles as it becomes Highway25/Highway200 East.
5. After passing through Longville, stay on Highway200 East for another approximate distance of16miles.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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