Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cabins from $180)
at Crane Lake is a winner for hiking, fishing and relaxing under blue
skies.
While this is certainly a remote and wild area, those seeking wildlife, canoeing and
forest camping in all their glory are best off in the Boundary Waters.
Bemidji & Chippewa National Forest
This area is synonymous with outdoor activities and summer fun. Campsites and cottages
abound, and almost everybody is fishing-crazy.
Itasca State Park
( 218-266-2100;
www.dnr.state.mn.us/itasca
;
off Hwy 71 N; per vehicle
$5, tent & RV sites $12-22)
is an area highlight. You can walk across the tiny headwaters of
the mighty Mississippi River, rent canoes or bikes, hike the trails and camp. The log
HI
Mississippi Headwaters Hostel
( 218-266-3415;
www.hiusa.org/parkrapids
; dm $24-27, r
$80-130; )
is in the park; winter hours vary, so call ahead. Or if you want a little rus-
tic luxury, try the venerable
Douglas Lodge
(
)
, run by the
866-857-2757; r $95-140;
park, which also has cabins and a good restaurant.
On the western edge of the forest, about 30 miles from Itasca, tidy
Bemidji
is an old
lumber town with a well-preserved downtown and a giant statue of logger Paul Bunyan
8am-5pm, closed Sat & Sun Sep-May)
displays Paul's toothbrush.
