Explore the Superior National Forest, three million acres of boreal woodland, rocky ridges, and thousands of glacially carved lakes across Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. Of that three million, more than 445,000 acres are surface water. The Superior is one of the most expansive and ecologically significant forests in the United States, and the largest east of the Mississippi River.
Bordered by Canada, Lake Superior, and Voyageurs National Park, the forest’s crown jewel is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a world-renowned paddling destination with over 1,100 lakes and hundreds of miles of interconnected waterways. Plus, over 1,500 miles of canoe routes and nearly 2,200 designated campsites, the area draws thousands of visitors each year seeking solitude, quiet waterways, and dark night skies.
The northern forest community thrives with its pine, fir, and spruce trees and is home to a huge number of wildlife species, including the last stronghold of the gray wolf in the lower 48 states. Some 300 to 400 wolves continue to roam within the boundaries of the Superior National Forest today. With 155 nesting species, the Superior also has the greatest number of breeding birds of any National Forest.
From short hikes to scenic overlooks to multiday routes through a variety of ecosystems, more than 200 miles of trails offers a variety of hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. With 77 lake accesses and 13 accessible fishing piers, the forest is an angler’s paradise. Despite the cold, the forest is a top winter destination, offering everything from dogsledding and skijoring to winter camping and snowmobiling.
Photo by Michelle Reitan 
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Photo by Christopher Brink 
Photo by Mason Davey 
Photo by Thomas Spence 
Photo by Ruth Swenson What is the History of the Superior National Forest?
In addition to its impressive natural history (some of the oldest rock on the surface of the earth is exposed in the forest), the Superior National Forest has a long human history. Indigenous peoples, including the Ojibwe, have lived in the region for centuries. Their cultural presence remains visible in place names, heritage sites, and traditional practices that continue today. European settlement brought mining, logging, and fur trading. Over time, conservation efforts worked to protect large swaths of land from industrial pressures. The Superior National Forest was established in 1909.
How to Get to the Superior National Forest
From the south, Interstate 35 provides a primary route north from Minneapolis–Saint Paul to the gateway town of Duluth, which serves as a convenient base for exploring the Superior National Forest.
Highway 61 runs along Lake Superior’s North Shore, providing scenic access to areas near Grand Marais and Two Harbors.
To reach the center of the forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Highways 1, 6, and 169 connect to communities like Ely, Cook, and Tower, offering access to trailheads, campsites, and canoe launches.
- Duluth, Minnesota: 2 to 2.5 hours by car
- Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada: 3.5 to 4 hours by car
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: 4 to 4.5 hours by car
In 2020, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was designated a dark sky sanctuary, one of the largest in the country. There’s no better place to catch a meteor shower, the Northern Lights, or simply to gaze at the Milky Way. To make the most of your stargazing adventure, time your visit to the week before or after the new moon.
This 300-mile trail runs from Duluth to Grand Portage passing though the eastern edge of the Superior on its way. Sections within the forest feature pristine rivers, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks of lakes, including Lake Superior.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the home of many superlatives, including as one of the country’s most biodiverse birding hotspots. Recognized by the National Audubon Society as a globally important bird area, the wilderness has 225 bird species, 163 of which nest in the area.
Ram’s head lady slipper With its white slipper-shaped flower and pointed top, this rare orchid blooms in late spring along the forest and bog edges. 
Paper birch This deciduous tree is known for its white, peeling bark that have been historically used for fire-starting. In the fall. Its leaves turn golden. 
Eelpout This freshwater fish, also known as burbot, has a long body and a chin barbel and is most active in the winter, making it a popular ice-fishing catch. 
Cedar waxwing With its distinct black eye mask and watercolor-like markings, this social bird often moves in flocks and plays a key role in seed dispersal. 
Canada lynx This elusive predator’s large paws helps it move through deep snow, where it hunts for snowshoe hares, as well as other small mammals and birds. 
Gray wolf This top predator, which lives in large packs and prey on deer and small mammals, has made a stunning return to the forest following rehabilitation efforts. What’s the Best First-Timer’s Adventure in the Superior National Forest
Canoeing the Circle Route in the Superior National Forest’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a classic paddling adventure. This 25- to 30-mile loop winds through interconnected lakes, rivers, and portage trails, offering a mix of calm waters, forested shorelines, and remote wilderness solitude. Campsites along the route provide opportunities for overnight stays under star-filled skies.
Where to Find More Information on the Superior National Forest
For more information or questions, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior.
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