Explore Wadena County through a range of interests: river history, wetlands, forests, and designated trails. When choosing accommodations for your trip, it helps to start by asking what interests you most—historic sites and walks, activities on the water, or a particular type of trail.
River History and Trails near Old Wadena
At the Old Wadena site, the Red River Ox Cart Trail crossed the Crow Wing River. The trail offerings in Old Wadena Park are separate: there, walking paths cross a pedestrian bridge over the Partridge River to the Little Round Hill site. The two river connections therefore represent different things—the trail crossing is part of the site’s history, while the bridge is part of the park’s described walking paths.
The Old Wadena Historic District includes prehistoric Indigenous sites, fur-trading posts, and the ghost town of Old Wadena. These varied historical traces give the district a distinct focus for travelers interested in the area’s history. In the same park, the bog walk offers an educational stroll through a wetland, with the landscape itself taking center stage.
Another option for a walk is the continuous trail between Cottingham Park and Bullard’s Bluff Park. It connects the two parks over approximately 2.5 miles. This approximate distance offers a concrete reference for planning, while the bog walk is distinguished primarily by its wetland setting.
Forest and Designated Trails
Huntersville State Forest covers 33,964 acres and lies entirely within the coniferous forest biome. Two types of routes are designated for motorized rides: more than 58 miles for OHM and 3.6 miles for ATV. If you’re planning this type of activity, it’s worth checking which vehicle category is right for you first. Route lengths, markings, and closures may change, so check the latest information before your trip.
There are 24 miles of designated horseback-riding trails at Shell City Horse Campground. This provides a dedicated trail option for riders in addition to the motorized routes. Here too, it’s a good idea to check current trail conditions; trail conditions and campground facilities may change.
Huntersville Landing Campground provides access to the Crow Wing River for swimming, fishing, and boating. Since access and campground facilities may change, check conditions before your visit. The designated Crow Wing River Canoe Trail ends at McGivern Park. The park also features a mix of deciduous trees and pines: the canoe route’s endpoint offers a clear reference for route planning, while the tree species describe the character of the landscape.
More Things to Do in Wadena
The Maslowski Wellness & Research Center has a zero-entry pool with a waterslide. If swimming is one of your travel interests, this offers a different focus from walking and trail routes.
June Jubilee is a community celebration in Wadena centered on connection, pride, and shared joy. The celebration is an established tradition; specific events vary from year to year. If you’d like to plan your trip around June Jubilee, check the dates and program for the year in question.
Discover more destinations: Wadena, Aitkin County, Douglas County, Chickasaw County, St. Louis, Pine County, Le Sueur County, Chisago County.
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
