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The Chippewa National Forest is home to the largest breeding population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. It is not uncommon to see several eagles on a daily basis.
Special birding events are offered at this time. Did you know the Bald Eagle does not get its white head feathers until its 4th year? For additional information and free literature about the Bald Eagle call the Chippewa National Forest USDA Forest Service at 218-335-8600 or visit their website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/chippewa/.
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The Cass Lake area and Chippewa National Forest are home to 243 species of birds, as well as home to the largest breeding population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. In addition to the abundant bird watching opportunities, special guided tours can be arranged through the Tourist Information Center for enthusiasts interested in checking off rare species on their life lists. Spring is one of the best times to see many birds in the Cass Lake area and fall brings a huge population of migratory birds to the area. |
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| Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe |
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 The Ojibwe Indians, later named Chippewa by the US Federal government, arrived in what is now Minnesota in the early 1700’s. At the time of the whiteman’s arrival into Minnesota, the Chippewa occupied over half of the state. Most of the occupied Indian lands in Minnesota were ceded to the Federal government in 1807 and through a series of legislative acts several Indian Reservations were “reserved” for Native Americans. Today, much of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation lies within the Chippewa National Forest.
The Leech Lake Reservation is one of six reservations affiliated with the federally recognized Minnesota Chippewa Tribe; the fourth largest Tribe in the nation. Approximately 10,000 Tribal members live on or near the Leech Lake Reservation. Three of Minnesota’s largest lakes are located here, as well as a large part of the Chippewa National Forest.
The modern day Ojibwe operate three casinos on the reservation, located in Cass Lake, Walker and Deer River. A variety of businesses and Native Arts and Crafts stores can be found offering traditional hand harvested wild rice, maple syrup, birch bark crafts, quill boxes and other cultural treasures. Pow wow celebrations bring together traditional dancers from all over the United States and Canada, outfitted in historic dress and colors. Pow wows are religious and social gatherings of the Indian people and visitors are invited to participate. The grand entry march that begins each pow wow is a spectacular display of colorful outfits and traditional meanings associated with the earth, birds, and wildlife; interpreted by the dancers themselves. Public pow wows are meant for everyone and visitors are encouraged to attend. It is a time for celebration and fun.
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Walker is a 20-minute drive from Cass Lake. The City of Walker sits on the shores of Leech Lake and is bustling with activity from spring through October. Its many unique gift and food shops offer something for everyone. Walker is also the host to the annual Eel Pout Festival every February, which draws visitors from all over the world to catch this “fresh water cod” that has been duped both ugly and tasty. Both are correct! Walker is also home to Minnesota’s Fishing Hall of Fame, as well as the annual Moondance Jam Music Festival which draws music lovers from all over the upper midwest every July. |
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Bemidji is a short 15-minute drive from Cass Lake and is the first city on the Mississippi River. Lake Bemidji State Park sits on Lake Bemidji’s northern shore and is one of the most beautiful state parks in Minnesota. Bemidji State University sits on Lake Bemidji’s western shore and the 5,000 students who attend BSU annually will attest to the lake’s beauty as well as its fishing variety. The famous 18-foot tall statues of Paul and Babe the Blue Ox on Lake Bemidji’s southwest shore serve as reminders of the area’s logging history.
Bemidji has an active arts community and the annual “Art in the Park” is one of Bemidji’s most well attended events, showcasing the art and craft work of area artists. Bemidji compliments the Cass Lake area with metro-style amenities in a north woods setting and features an airport with daily flights connecting to the Twin Cities Metro Area.
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Whether you enjoy riding your bike on paved trails, dirt trails or quiet country roads you’ll find almost 300 miles of trails to keep you busy. The Mi-gi-zi (eagle) Trail between Pike Bay and Cass Lake offers both a paved and dirt trail for year around use. This trail can be accessed at the Rest Stop site off of Highway 2 on the shores of Cass Lake.
Other trails such as the Heartland Trail, which is paved and stretches 34 miles from Walker to Park Rapids, or the Paul Bunyan Trail from Bemidji to Brainerd offer scenic rides through wooded miles. Itasca State Park, located 45 minutes from Cass Lake, offers a 20 mile paved trail around Lake Itasca.
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The Cass Lake area may not be cowboy country, but that doesn't mean you can't go horseback riding. There are several horseback riding opportunities in the Cass Lake area, all within a short, scenic drive that can be combined with other activities. Southeast of Cass Lake I Moondance Ranch near Walker, which also offers small and large group rides through hundreds of acres of private forest land nestled within the Leech Lake area.
Southwest of Cass Lake in the Paul Bunyan Forest is BK Ranch, which can handle small and large groups from short rides to overnights. Their trials utilize the Paul Bunyan Forest, thousands of acres of uninhabited woods and open areas.
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| Cross Country & Downhill Skiing |
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Whether you are interested in cross country skiing through miles of trails in the Chippewa National Forest or over 160 km of trails just to the west of Cass Lake, you’ll find ski maps and trail information on them all at the Tourist Information Center.
Thirty minutes west of Cass Lake is the Buena Vista Ski Area, which strides the Continental Divide and offers 15 groomed downhill runs, four chair lifts, a beginners tow and comfortable three story chalet to relax by the fireplace. Equipment rental is available.
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Area snowmobile maps are available through the Cass Lake Information Center (800-356-8615) showcasing the area trails that criss-cross the Cass Lake area and stretch throughout the Chippewa National Forest to the Canadian border. The 58 mile Soo Line Trail from Cass Lake to Remer; the 51 mile Heartland Trail from Park Rapids to Walker; the 33 mile Paul Bunyan Trail from Bemidji to Walker; provide both local and interconnected trail fun throughout the north central area of Minnesota.
Plan a weekend getaway in the Cass Lake area this January and take part in the Annual Chain Reaction Fishing Tournament; a winter celebration allowing visitors and snowmobilers to travel the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes to take part in poker runs, snowmobile drags, ice fishing contests and a winter carnival atmosphere linking area resorts, casinos and the community of Cass Lake. See the Calendar of Events on page three. Visit our web site or call for updated information.
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Follow the same canoe routes used by the Ojibwe and early explorers on nine historical routes available in the Chippewa National Forest. View the area wildlife and over 243 species of birds, including eagles, loons, hawks and songbirds while silently gliding on one of the many rivers and streams in the Cass Lake area.
Travel the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes and see the wonder and beauty of this natural landscape, as did our early explorers. Many routes and canoe rentals are available and the Cass Lake Tourist Information Center will be happy to help plan your trip and map your routes.
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