Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA
 |
18 Acres Located in Duluth. From I-35 exit E (right) onto Lake Ave/Canal Park Dr. Follow Lake Ave across aerial lift bridge (becomes Minnesota Ave) to Sky Harbor Seaplane Base. Park at seaplane base and follow trail NE of runway 3/4 mile to the site. St. Louis County Twp 49N Rng 13W Sec 18 Type: Coniferous Forest ECS Subsection: North Shore Highlands |
Description:
Wind off Lake Superior whispers though this old-growth pine forest at the eastern tip of Minnesota Point, now preserved as a Scientific and Natural Area. Red and white pines dominate this site with some paper birch. Shrubs include juneberry, red-osier dogwood, bush honeysuckle, bush juniper, pin cherry, choke cherry, red-berried elder and blueberry. Look for common ground layer plants such as harebell, starry false Solomon's-seal, sand violet, wild sarsaparilla, blue-bead lily, bunchberry, fireweed, small bedstraw, twin-flower and star flower. Poison ivy is abundant as well. A special feature on Minnesota Point are the rare ferns of the genus Botrychium, several different species are found here. This pine forest is found on one of the longest freshwater sandbars in the world. The sandbar began forming about 3,200 years ago from the south shore (Wisconsin Point). Wave action transported and deposited sand until it reached the north shore (Minnesota) only a few centuries ago. A good time to visit this site is during spring and fall bird migrations. A myriad of shorebirds use the point as a resting spot.
