Battleground State Forest

Battleground State Forest is a state forest in Cass County spanning about 17,969 acres (7,270 hectares) of mixed terrain within the broader Chippewa National Forest region in northern Minnesota. The land includes lakes, woodlands, and various terrain types that support outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat.

The state forest was established in 1963 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect natural resources and support sustainable forest management. This creation reflected broader efforts to preserve the woodlands and waters of the region for the future.

This forest sits partly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, connecting visitors with the traditional lands of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe people. The presence here carries meaning for those whose families have lived on and cared for these woods for generations.

Two public boat launches provide access to Leech Lake, and marked trails run throughout the property for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors should come prepared for variable terrain and weather conditions typical of northern forest areas.

The area sits where two ecological zones meet: the Western Great Lakes Forests and the Northern Lakes and Forests ecosystem. This overlap creates a mix of plant and animal species that varies from what you find in nearby areas.

Location: Cass County

Location: Leech Lake Indian Reservation

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00003#homepage

GPS coordinates: 47.12370,-94.13500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45