Big Bog State Recreation Area

It was indeed a big day at Big Bog State Recreation Area on June 4, 2006 as more than 400 people attended a fun-filled day celebrating the official grand opening of the state's newest state recreation area on Upper Red Lake in northwestern
Minnesota.

Home of the largest peat bog in the continental United States, Big Bog State Recreation Area has been described as Minnesota's last true wilderness thanks to its relatively undisturbed ecosystem.

The Big Bog opening was especially significant to the Parks & Trails Council. Our working partnership with the Friends of the Big Bog State Recreation Area played a significant role in the acquisition of the 40-acre parcel of land that represents the only access point to the 500-acre Big Bog ecotourist attraction.

"We are extremely proud to have secured the piece of land that will give people from all over the world the opportunity to visit the Big Bog and all of its unique geological and ecological treasures," said Parks & Trails Council President Grant Merritt.

The Parks & Trails Council purchased the land from a local family in 2003 so that it could be incorporated into our state park system. Preservation of the land was so important to the Parks & Trails Council's mission that $10,000 in land value was donated to assure the land would be forever accessible to the public.

"We are very appreciative of the Parks & Trails Council's efforts," said Jerry Stensing, vice chair of the Friends of Big Bog State Recreation Area, a local community advocacy group. "The Parks & Trails Council played a vital role in acquiring the only access to Ludlow Island where the bog walk begins."

The bog walk is a 1.1-mile environmentally sensitive decking that allows visitors to actually walk into the bog to get an up-close look at all of its unique plant and animal life.

"Walking along the boardwalk into the Big Bog, with its carpet of sphagnum moss and century-old, stunted spruce, is a bit like stepping into an enchanted forest," said Doug Easthouse, the recreation area's manager. "From orchids to carnivorous plants to rare birds, it is a mixture of fascinating and rare resources."

"We're seeing a tremendous growth in ecotourism," added Stensing. "There are more people coming to visit the Big Bog than the locals had ever dreamed of. We've already far exceeded our visitor projections."

Interpretive signs along the bog walk describe the peat bog itself and the vegetation, birds and animals that thrive there. Some of the bog plants such as the English sundew, and bird species like the yellow rail, are classified as rare. Benches in bump-outs along the walk are not just resting spots; but perches for gazing at the bog-loving orchids, spying on the carnivorous pitcher plants and keeping a lookout for the occasional moose and great gray owl. At the bog walk's end, facing west, the dark spruce and delicate tamarack are silhouetted against the vivid colors of the spectacular sunsets. The bog offers seasonal treats: bright pink rose pogonia orchids bloom in a cluster at the bog walk's end in late May, and a profusion of showy lady's slippers and yellow moccasin flowers put on a display at Big Bog's entrance during June.

The Big Bog State Recreation Area has an interesting human as well as natural history. In addition to the long-time Native American presence, voyageurs may have canoed the Tamarac River. Later, homesteaders tried in vain to drain the bog and farm it.

The Big Bog State Recreation Area is located in and near the historic town of Waskish, off Highway 72 between Baudette and Bemidji. The recreation area consists of northern and southern units that are separated by nine miles. Together the two units offer a distinct, and often surprising, recreational experience. For more information about the Big Bog State Recreation Area or any of our other state parks and recreation areas, please call 866-857-2757.