Around the Lake

A Walk in the Woods: Pillsbury State Forest

The Birchwood Project property is located just an acorn’s throw away from the Pillsbury State Forest. The rolling hills of the forest were made by the passing of the glaciers thousands of years ago. Today, many of the depressions in the glacial moraine have filled to become lakes and marshes that are home to an incredible array of wildlife, making the forest a destination for anyone who enjoys the natural beauty of northern Minnesota.

This forest was the first to be designated a Minnesota state forest in 1900 and is named after John S. Pillsbury, the former governor of Minnesota who donated the original 1,000 acres of land. Over the years, the Minnesota Legislature enlarged the forest to its current size of more than 25,000 acres. Here are some suggestions if you’d like to explore and experience the wilderness of the Brainerd Lakes region and Cass County.

Tree lovers can indulge in forest bathing surrounded by a variety of majestic Minnesota species. Northern hardwood stands include sugar maple, red oak, green and black ash, quaking and bigtooth aspen, and of course The Birchwood Project’s namesake, the beloved paper birch. You’ll also find red, white, and jack pine, balsam fir, white spruce and tamarack among the meandering forest trails, as well as numerous varieties of wildflowers, including Minnesota’s state flower, the yellow lady's slipper.

Wildlife enthusiasts can hope to see the white-tailed deer which are abundant in the forest. The bounty of acorns dropped by the oak trees attract the deer, as well as black bears, gray squirrels and ruffed grouse. Waterfowl are aplenty in the ponds and lakes, including mallards, wood ducks and blue herons. Keep an eye out for the striking sight of the blue heron rookeries (breeding areas) during early spring. Beavers, gray wolves, the red-shouldered hawk, bald eagles, osprey, and wild turkeys also make the Pillsbury Forest their home. 

Recreational opportunities abound. Pillsbury’s trail system includes 27 miles of trails and is especially popular with hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers during the summer. The abundance of lakes dotted throughout the forest offer ideal spots for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating. Hunting and fishing, in accordance with state regulations, are allowed on all public land within the state forest. In the winter, the trails become a delightful playground for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. The forest is classified as “closed” to OHV (off-highway vehicle) use, however snowmobiles may use designated trails.

If you’re planning a trip to the Brainerd Lakes region, definitely add Pillsbury State Forest to your list of must-see spots. And look for more details on The Birchwood Project in upcoming posts.

Recreation

• boat ramp nearby
• canoe/kayak
• fishing
• hunting
• swimming