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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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Minnesota
Heartland Region
Foot Hills State Forest
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FOOT HILLS STATE FOREST
FOOT HILLS STATE FOREST
The Foot Hills State Forest in Minnesota is a serene and picturesque natural sanctuary, offering a stunning blend of rolling hills, dense forests, and clear lakes. With its vast expanse of over 22,000 acres, the forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in a multitude of activities including hiking, biking, bird-watching, and fishing. As visitors traverse through the forest's well-marked trails, they are greeted by the enchanting sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves, creating a sense of tranquility that is unmatched. Whether one seeks solitude amidst the wilderness or seeks adventure through its scenic beauty, the Foot Hills State Forest provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
History of the Area
Foothills State Forest is located in east-central Minnesota and covers an area of approximately 5,000 acres. The history of Foothills State Forest can be traced back to the early 1900s when the state of Minnesota began acquiring land for public use.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in the development of the area. The CCC was a work relief program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aimed at providing employment to young, unemployed men. The CCC members were responsible for various tasks such as reforestation, building roads, trails, campgrounds, and other recreational facilities in the forest.

Foothills State Forest was initially established as an experimental forest to study tree growth and management techniques. Over the years, the forest has been actively managed for timber production, wildlife habitat preservation, water quality protection, and outdoor recreation.

Foothills State Forest has become popular among outdoor enthusiasts for activities such as hiking, camping, nature observation, hunting, and fishing. The forest offers several miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and designated camping sites.

Various organizations and agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are involved in the management and preservation of Foothills State Forest. They work to maintain a balance between recreational use, ecological health, and sustainable timber production.

The forest continues to serve as a valuable natural resource and a place for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota's outdoors.
Camping
1. Foot Hills State Forest Campground: This is a primitive campground located within the forest itself, offering basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

2. Moose Lake Campground: Located just outside of the state forest, this family-friendly campground offers both tent camping sites and RV hookups with access to hiking trails in the nearby area.

3. Backus City Park & Campgrounds: Situated near Pine Mountain Lake, it provides campers with opportunities for fishing as well as boating along with other recreational activities such as horseshoes or volleyball courts available on site.

4. Shingobee Recreation Area Camping Grounds: It's situated at south end of Foothills State Forest which has 22 campsites suitable for tents only; no water or electricity provided but vault toilets are there.

5. Pine Ridge Horse & RV park: A great option if you're traveling by an RV or have horses that need lodging too!

6. Wilderness Resort Villas: If traditional camping isn't your style then these villas offer more luxurious accommodations while still being close to nature!

7. Crow Wing River Canoe Outfitters: They provide canoe trips down Crow Wing river where they set up overnight campsites along way providing unique experience!

8. Bear Paw Resort: Offers cabin rentals rather than typical campsite setup.

9. Two Inlets Country Store And Resorts: Provides cabins rental service surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

10. Hackensack Lodge No 2670 Loyal Order Of Moose Lodges: Another non:traditional 'camping' option offering lodge-style accommodation.

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Trails
1. Bull Moose Trail: This 5-mile trail is a loop that offers scenic views of the forest and its wildlife, including moose sightings if you're lucky.

2. Pine River Overlook Loop: A moderate difficulty level hike stretching over approximately 3 miles with stunning overlooks on the Pine River.

3. Foot Hills State Forest ATV Trails: These trails are primarily used for off-road driving but can also be hiked; they offer an adventurous experience across varying terrains within the state forest spanning around 76 miles in total length.

4. Willow Creek Hiking Trail: An easy to navigate path extending about two miles through lush greenery along Willow creek's banks, perfect for bird watching or simply enjoying nature's tranquility.

5. Red Top Loop: Approximately four mile long moderately trafficked loop trail featuring beautiful wild flowers and diverse fauna species making it ideal for all skill levels.

6. Foot Hills Horseback Riding Trails: Although designed specifically as horse riding paths (around twenty-five miles), these well-maintained routes provide excellent hiking opportunities too while giving glimpses into Minnesota's equestrian culture.

7. Birch Lake Campground Pathway: Located near Backus city this short yet picturesque pathway leads towards Birch lake campground offering serene water views amidst dense woods suitable even for beginners due to its flat terrain.

8. Grouse Hunting Walking Paths: Spread throughout various parts of Foothills State Forest these walking tracks serve dual purpose during hunting season providing access points deep inside forests where grouses thrive naturally.

9. Foot Hill Snowmobile Routes: Primarily meant as snowmobiling lanes during winters, these wide pathways crisscrossing different sections of park transform into great trekking options when weather permits.

10. Wildlife Observation Tracks: Several such small footpaths exist scattered within boundaries which lead towards popular spots known among local community where chances spotting native animals like white-tailed deer, black bear or even a bobcat are high.

11. Foot Hills State Forest Mountain Biking Trails: These trails offer challenging terrain for mountain bikers but can also be hiked; they provide an exhilarating experience of the forest's varied landscapes over 25 miles in total length.

12. Foot Hill Scenic Drive: Although technically not hiking trail, this drive stretching around twenty-two miles offers numerous pull-offs where one could park their vehicle and explore nearby areas on foot while enjoying panoramic views offered by this route.

13. Paul Bunyan Trail: This long distance path runs through parts of Foothills state forest providing ample opportunities to venture off main track into less explored sections within woods.

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Directions
1. Start by heading north on Interstate 35 from Minneapolis.
2. Continue driving for approximately 40 miles until you reach exit 195 for MN:70 toward Rock Creek/Sandstone.
3. Take this exit and turn left onto MN:70 West towards Sandstone.
4. Drive straight on MN:70 West for about 7 miles until you reach County Road (CR) 61/Forest Boulevard North intersection.
5. Turn right onto CR:61/Forest Blvd N and continue driving northward.

At this point, there are two entrances to access different parts of the state forest:

For General Andrews State Forest Unit:
6a: After turning onto CR-61/Forest Blvd N, drive ahead for another mile or so before reaching a junction with Willow River Rd/MN-Park Trailhead signpost at your left side.
7a: Make a sharp left turn here into Willow River Rd/MN-Park Trailhead entrance road which leads directly into General Andrews State Forest unit.

For Nemadji State Forest Unit:
6b: Keep following CR-61/Forest Blvd N without taking any turns after step #5 above.
7b: Approximately after another mile or so from that last junction mentioned in step #5 above; look out carefully as it can be easy to miss - take a slight right-turn off-road leading through an unpaved path marked as "State Land Access" signage indicating entryway into Nemadji SF unit.

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Minnesota State Parks

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