Agassiz Wilderness

Agassiz Wilderness is a protected area in Marshall County, Minnesota, covering about 4,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and two natural lakes called Kuriko and Whiskey. The land features black spruce and tamarack trees mixed with bog areas that support diverse plant and animal communities.

The refuge was established in 1937 to protect important wildlife habitats in the region. In 1976, a portion of the refuge gained wilderness designation, which brought stricter conservation rules to preserve the area for the future.

The landscape here honors Swiss naturalist Louis Agassiz and reflects a commitment to protecting rare northern habitats. Visitors can observe how different forest types and wetlands work together to support species found nowhere else in the region.

Access requires permits and is limited to certain seasons, mainly for hunting purposes. Visitors should know that camping is not allowed within the area, so day visits are the main option for those exploring the space.

This place contains the westernmost black spruce and tamarack bog formation in Minnesota, a rare forest feature of northern regions. This specialized environment makes it valuable for studying how northern forest types develop in their southwestern range limits.