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One of the areas most unique features sits in the middle of Cass Lake; Star Island. Star Island is named for its shape by the Ojibwe Indians and is 1,163 acres in size. Within this island is a 195-acre lake, Lake Windigo, which has been featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the “lake in the island in the lake.” Star Island is only accessible by boat. It's the only freshwater lake in an island in a freshwater lake in the Northern Hemisphere. |
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The Lost Forty acres consists of virgin red and white pine that has remained untouched by man, due to an error that incorrectly mapped the area as under water. See the Lost Forty and discover what northern Minnesota looked like before loggers came to the area in the late 1800s. |
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Two State Parks are a short drive from the Cass Lake area. Itasca State Park is the oldest and most popular park in Minnesota and is a 45-minute drive from Cass Lake. Itasca State Park is the start of the Mississippi River. Minnesota has more miles of the Mississippi River than any other state, also the only state where the rivers flows north. The park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, 6,000 acres of old growth pine, including the largest white pine and red pine in the state. There are miles of bike and hiking trails and in the winter groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails for your enjoyment.
Lake Bemidji State Park is a 15-minute drive from Cass Lake and is the northern endpoint of the Paul Bunyan Trail, which begins in Brainerd. There is a two-mile bog walk that takes you through a tamarack-black spruce bog showcasing a variety of orchids and many species of birds and wildlife. The park sits on the northern shore of Lake Bemidji.
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| The Chippewa National Forest Headquarters Building located in Cass Lake was built in 1935 of native red pine, logged from Star Island and Lake Thirteen.
It is built entirely out of Minnesota Forest products, including a 50-foot high fireplace constructed from 265 tons of split glacial boulders native to the area.
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The Chippewa Forest was the first National Forest established east of the Mississippi River in 1908. Its boundary encompasses almost 1.2 million acres, with over 700 lakes, 920 miles of streams and 150,000 acres of wetlands. The largest population of breeding Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states are located here.
Over 280 miles of trails offer you the opportunity to view the forest, including the Mi-gi-zi (eagle) Trail which is a newly paved trail for bicyclists, joggers, and skaters and the adjoining unpaved trail for snowmobiles.
Bird watchers can discover over 243 species of birds. Fishing for Walleye, Muskies, Crappies, Panfish, Bass and Northerns will keep all ages and skill levels busy throughout your stay. Winter means cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Whatever your interests in the outdoors, the Chippewa National Forest has something for everyone.
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This bog contains an abundance of orchids and wildlife that are very rare. A variety of birds inhabit the bog and it is classified as a Scientific Nature Area. A free special permit is required to enter the bog, please call 218-755-2976. |
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Travel the boardwalk, located near Webster Lake, to see and learn about carnivorous bog plants such as Pitcher Plant and Sundew! |
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| Cass Lake Museum and Lyle’s Logging Camp |
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Experience some of Cass Lake’s past in the historically accurate museum of logging artifacts. Replicas of equipment once used by loggers are on display and each building is furnished just as it was in the early days.
The museum’s six buildings were built virtually single-handed by a retired forester, Lyle Chisholm, who began working summers in logging camps at the age of 11. Lyle himself raised funds, constructed the buildings and collected the original artifacts for this unique and original display of history.
Adjacent to Lyle’s Logging Camp is the Cass Lake Museum, formerly a railroad depot and one of the few remaining original Soo Line buildings in Minnesota. History of the Cass Lake area is displayed throughout this 2400 sq. ft. facility and includes many Native American and 1800’s artifacts.
The Cass Lake Museum and Lyle’s Logging Camp is open May 26 to October 1; 218-335-6723
For More Information - Click Here
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Established in 1999, the Forestedge Winery is nestled in the woods at the edge of the Paul Bunyan State Forest. Specializing in wines made from the fruits and berries that survive the northern winters, Forestedge offers a wide selection of light, dry fruit wines that have won awards at international wine judging events.Tasting is available in our tasting and sales room and tourists can tour the winery and visit the gift gallery next door.
Forestedge Winery, 35295 state 64 , Laporte MN. 56461 www.forestedgewinery.com
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 The Cass Lake Chain of Lakes is located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. There are 9 lakes on the actual chain that can be accessed by boat. These include: Big Wolf Lake, Lake Andrusia, Cass Lake, Pike Bay, Buck Lake, Kitchi Lake, Little Rice Lake and Big Rice Lake.
Other lakes in the area would include: Big Lake, Little Wolf Lake, Pimushe Lake, Moose Lake and many smaller lakes. To the east of the Chain you will find Lake Winnibigoshish and to the south is Leech Lake. Cass Lake Chain of Lakes hosted the 2004 Pro Walleye Tournament.
The breathtaking beauty of the Chippewa National Forest, crystal clear waters, sugar sand beaches and an abundance of wildlife surround these lakes in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
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