An unusual thread running through Crow Wing County is the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway: This 54-mile driving route passes through Crow Wing and Cass Counties. Along the way, hiking and walking trails, recreational parks and lakes shape the landscape, as do wildlife management areas and historic artifacts. Nature and history are not separate themes here; they are both part of the character of this route.
Lakes, Islands and Trails by the Water
Little Emily Lake Park offers several ways to spend time by the water: the park has a 150-foot-wide swimming beach, a fishing pier and a launch for canoes and kayaks. There are also 3.25 miles of non-motorized walking trails. Those who would rather explore an island area will find three publicly accessible islands in Upper Whitefish Lake at the Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area.
The Portage Lake Trail offers a hike with a viewpoint high above nearby Gillespie Lake. Canoe and kayak rest stops add to the trail amenities. Portage Lake itself provides habitat for several breeding loons and other wildlife. The combination of hiking views and wildlife gives the area a distinctive focus: here, you can experience the landscape both from the trail and overlooking the water.
The Poor Farm Wildlife Management Area also focuses on natural and forest resources. Nearly 320 acres there are managed for wildlife and forest resources.
Hiking, Winter and Nature Watching
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Hunter-Hiker Trails in Crow Wing County. In winter, the natural, ungroomed trails are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; conditions can vary by trail. Northland Arboretum offers a different range of options: it covers more than 400 acres and has 12 miles of hiking trails. Activities available there include birdwatching, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The arboretum also offers nature and conservation classes, such as tree identification, sustainable agriculture and healthy eating. Class offerings may change. The protected habitats maintained by the arboretum include wetlands, a red pine plantation, the Whiskey Creek watershed and a jack pine forest. This forest type is one of only five of its kind in Minnesota.
River Scenery and Cycling
The Crow Wing River and the Mississippi River meet at Crow Wing State Park. A 6.2-mile paved section of the Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through the park and can be ridden by bike or walked. The clear combination of river scenery and a paved trail offers a different way to experience the region than the ungroomed winter trails or natural-surface paths.
The campground at Crow Wing State Park has electric campsites and a modern shower building. These amenities add a practical overnight option to the park’s scenic appeal, without making any claim about current availability.
Cuyuna: Singletrack and Mining History
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area covers 5,000 acres and is largely undeveloped. More than 50 miles of its singletrack trails range in difficulty; in winter, they are groomed for fat biking. The different trail ratings and seasonal grooming make the area especially appealing to travelers who want to compare cycling and outdoor experiences across different seasons.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area also includes Croft Mine Historical Park. It has a museum and offers tours through part of the mine. Mining history is not just a topic here; it is part of a specific place to visit. The Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum offers another glimpse into the past: it is located in a former jail, has three levels of exhibits and offers tours of the sheriff’s residence.
These places and experiences offer a range of highlights: water, hiking trails and wildlife sit alongside cycling routes, river scenery and history. You can explore Crow Wing County according to your interests, through its lakes and natural areas, its winter activities or its traces of mining history.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Merrifield, Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, Baxter, Deerwood, Watonwan County, Stearns County.
Go to the main travel overview: Minnesota.
