Crow Wing County: Lakes, Trails and History

Lakes, river landscapes, trails through natural areas, and places steeped in regional history give Crow Wing County its diverse character. Activities range from a swimming lake with walking paths to winter trails and museums. You can tailor your mix of nature and culture to your own travel interests.

Lakes, Islands and Trails by the Water

Little Emily Lake Park has a 150-foot-wide swimming beach, a fishing pier, and a launch for canoes and kayaks. It also has 3.25 miles of non-motorized walking trails. Swimming, fishing, paddling, and walking are among the different ways to enjoy this one location. The Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area offers a different setting: it comprises three publicly accessible islands in Upper Whitefish Lake, two small and one large.

The Portage Lake Trail combines a hike with a viewpoint high above nearby Gillespie Lake. Canoe and kayak rest stops are also noted in the trail description. Loons nest on Portage Lake, which is also home to other wildlife. If you’re planning time by the water, you’ll find both a viewpoint and a chance to learn about local habitats here.

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway also shapes the landscape: the 54-mile driving route passes through Crow Wing and Cass counties. Its features include hiking and walking trails, recreation parks, lakes, wildlife management areas, and historic artifacts. The Poor Farm Wildlife Management Area represents another aspect of landscape management: nearly 320 acres there are managed for wildlife and forest resources.

Hiking, Nature Watching and Winter Activities

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Hunter-Hiker Trails in Crow Wing County. In winter, the natural, ungroomed trails can be used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; conditions vary from trail to trail. The Northland Arboretum offers a different range of activities: its more than 400 acres include 12 miles of trails and opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

The arboretum’s protected habitats include wetlands, a red pine plantation, the Whiskey Creek watershed, and a jack pine forest. This forest is one of only five of its kind in Minnesota. In addition to trails and nature watching, the arboretum offers conservation and nature classes, such as tree identification, sustainable agriculture, and healthy eating. Classes may change.

Cycling and River Landscapes

The Crow Wing River and the Mississippi River meet in Crow Wing State Park. A 6.2-mile paved section of the Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through the park and can be traveled by bike or on foot. If you’re planning a trip centered on cycling, this section offers a clear distance; you can also explore the park on foot.

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area covers 5,000 acres and is mostly undeveloped. Its more than 50 miles of singletrack trails offer varying difficulty levels; in winter, they’re groomed for fat biking. The contrast between a paved state trail and singletrack routes of varying difficulty can help you choose the kind of cycling you’d like to include in your trip.

Mining History and Regional Museums

Croft Mine Historical Park is part of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The park includes a museum and tours through part of the mine. Alongside the area’s nature and cycling activities, mining history is another reason to visit.

The Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum is housed in a former jail and spans three levels of exhibits. Tours of the sheriff’s residence are also available. Its historic setting and exhibit levels make this museum visit different from tours through the mine, offering two distinct ways to explore regional history.

Practical Information

The campground at Crow Wing State Park has sites with electrical hookups and a modern shower building. If you’re planning to stay there, check current availability. For air travel, Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) offers daily Delta flights operated by SkyWest, nonstop service to and from Brainerd, and free parking. Flight options may change; check the schedule before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Merrifield, Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, Baxter, Deerwood, Aitkin County, Anoka.

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.