In Beltrami County, nature experiences range from boardwalks through bog landscapes to designated cross-country ski trails, mountain biking trails, and horseback riding trails. The permitted uses also vary considerably: some trails are suitable for several activities, while others are reserved specifically for cross-country skiing. Choose places based on your own interests to find different ways to experience the landscape, get active, and explore regional history.

Explore bog landscapes on boardwalks

The Bog Walk Trail in Lake Bemidji State Park is 1.25 miles long and is designed as a one-way route. Boardwalks and gravel sections pass through a spruce-tamarack bog. Swamps and bogs are part of the landscape at Lake Bemidji State Park in Beltrami County. They lie in depressions formed as the ice retreated.

Big Bog State Recreation Area in Beltrami County covers a total of 9,121 acres. The Big Bog Boardwalk offers another view of bog vegetation: the flat, approximately one-mile-long boardwalk is accessible to people with disabilities. From there, you can see orchids, carnivorous plants, and mosses, as well as a stunted tamarack and spruce forest. These details make the trail interesting for anyone curious not only about the size of a natural area, but also about its plant life.

Choose trails by activity

Movil Maze is a 913-acre recreation area for day use. Access is via a gravel parking lot beside Wildwood Road NE (County Road 305). More than 8 miles of designated mountain biking trails can also be used for cycling, walking, or running. In addition, there are more than 14 kilometers of designated ski trails that are open exclusively for cross-country skiing. These different permitted uses are a helpful guide when deciding which type of trail suits your plans.

Three Island Park is located on Three Island Lake, about 12 miles north of Bemidji, and covers 2,915 acres. The area is for day use. For winter, the park lists more than 28 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and 7 miles of snowmobile trails. These details show two different ways to use the trails: on cross-country skis or by snowmobile.

Different activities also take center stage on the water. Rognlien Park is located on Grant Lake and has a swimming beach and a boat ramp. You can divide your time at the lake between relaxing on the beach and accessing the water by boat.

Horse camp and natural-surface trails

Grant Creek Horse Camp offers several non-electric horse camping sites and day-use opportunities. More than 42 miles of natural-surface trails are accessible from the camp. Free camping exclusively for horses is available on a first-come, first-served basis. These conditions are important for planning: the camp is geared toward horses, while the trails also make it possible to visit for the day.

History and culture in Beltrami County

The Beltrami County History Center is housed in the historically restored Great Northern Depot, built in 1912. Archives and collections complement rotating and long-term interpretive exhibits. Educational programs cover topics including railroad history, the timber industry, Ojibwe life, pioneer immigration, and the sports history of northern Minnesota. The History Center thus offers a perspective ranging from the development of the region to the diverse experiences of its residents.

In downtown Bemidji, the Sculpture Walk has featured works by regional artists since 1999. New works are added to the program each year. The annual Spring PowWow dates back to 1973. Non-Indigenous members of the public have also been able to attend; however, the conditions may vary from one event to the next. Check the information for the specific event before visiting.

Explore more destinations: Bemidji, Blackduck, Goodhue, Nicollet County, St. Louis, Rock, Chippewa County, Redwood County

For the main travel overview: Minnesota.