Fond du Lac State Forest

Fond du Lac State Forest is a woodland spanning two Minnesota counties with coniferous forests, lowland wetlands, and wild rice lakes throughout its terrain. The varied landscape types create different habitats for plants and wildlife across the forest's expanse.

The forest was dramatically reshaped after the devastating 1918 Cloquet Fire, with controlled burns through the following decades helping reestablish forest growth. These restoration efforts shaped the composition and structure seen in the forest today.

The forest overlaps with lands important to the Anishinaabe people, demonstrating how this woodland area connects to Native American cultural traditions and territorial practices in the region.

The forest offers varied outdoor activities year-round, including biking, hiking, and seasonal sports on its trail systems. Visitors should stick to marked paths and be prepared for changing weather, particularly in the wetter areas with bogs and wetlands.

The southern portion contains Kettle Lake Wildlife Management Area, a specially protected zone that draws rare bird species and other animals. This managed section provides visitors with unexpected opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural setting.

Location: Carlton County

Location: St. Louis County

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00018#homepage

GPS coordinates: 46.67690,-92.79240

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26