Discover Wadena County: River History and Forest Trails

Wadena County offers a range of starting points for a trip, from river history to forest trails. At the Old Wadena site, the Red River Ox Cart Trail crossed the Crow Wing River. McGivern Park, by contrast, marks the end of the designated Crow Wing River Canoe Trail and features a mix of deciduous trees and pines. The river connections are clearly distinct: one is the historic crossing of the Red River Ox Cart Trail, the other the endpoint of a designated canoe trail.

Old Wadena: River, Wetland, and History

In Old Wadena Park, walking trails lead to a footbridge over the Partridge River, which connects to the Little Round Hill site. The bog walk offers an educational stroll through a wetland. The distinction is practical when planning an outing: the bridge connection leads to the Little Round Hill site, while the bog walk goes through the wetland. If you plan to visit Old Wadena, you can choose your focus based on whether you are more interested in the trail connection or the wetland.

The Old Wadena Historic District includes prehistoric Indigenous archaeological sites, fur trading posts, and the ghost town of Old Wadena. Its subject matter therefore ranges from archaeological traces to fur-trading locations and a ghost town. The district adds a cultural and historical perspective to the trails and wetland.

Huntersville State Forest: Comparing Trails

Huntersville State Forest covers 33,964 acres and lies entirely within the coniferous forest biome. Forest maps and facilities may change. Designated routes differ by use: there are more than 58 miles of off-highway motorcycle (OHM) trails and 3.6 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails. Trail lengths, markings, and closures may also change; check maps and current trail information before planning a specific visit.

A continuous trail connects Cottingham Park and Bullard’s Bluff Park over approximately 2.5 miles. Here, the focus is on the connection between two parks, while the OHM and ATV information distinguishes trails by use. This makes it possible to compare the different trail options by their stated length and type, without assuming a particular walking or riding time.

Shell City Horse Campground is next to 24 miles of designated horse trails. Huntersville Landing Campground provides access to the Crow Wing River for swimming, fishing, and boating. At Shell City, trail conditions and campground facilities may change; at Huntersville Landing Campground, access and facilities may change. Check these conditions before your visit.

Community and Aquatic Amenities

June Jubilee is an established community celebration in Wadena, centered on connection, pride, and shared enjoyment. The specific program varies from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates and program for your travel dates.

The Maslowski Wellness & Research Center has a zero-entry pool with a waterslide. This provides a standalone pool option in addition to activities on the Crow Wing River.

Discover more destinations: Wadena, Polk County, Freeborn County, Dakota, Kittson County, McLeod County, Crow Wing County, Martin County

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.