Pillsbury State Forest

Counties:

Cass

map

Map

Acres: 25,612

OHV Forest Classification: Closed

Approved Firewood Vendors

photo: Pillsbury  state forest

•The trails at Pillsbury State Forest meander through a heavy forested area consisting of a variety of deciduous and coniferous trees. The woods are dotted with small lakes and ponds where you're likely to see evidence of beavers and other wildlife. You may also find several varieties of wildflowers, including the yellow lady's slipper.

• The trail system in this state forest is especially popular with equestrians and mountain bikers during the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter. Land ownership within this forest varies from state, county, municipal, and private holdings. Trespass laws are enforced. Please be aware and respect these lands.

Grouse hunters find good bird hunting in the fall. The forest is closed to off-highway vehicles so bird hunters are assured that they will not be disturbed by ATV traffic while walking the old logging roads.

•Recreational facilities in the forest include the Walter E. Stark Horse Assembly Area, and Shafer Lake, Green Bass Lake, and Beauty Lake Day-Use Areas. Rock Lake Campground and Day-Use Area can serve as a great alternative to the more developed and heavily used Crow Wing State Park.


More about this forest


Visitor Alert:

OHV hours of operation restricted during firearms deer season

OHVs may only be operated before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise), from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset). This applies to all public and private lands; however landowners or persons authorized by landowners may operate OHVs on private property at any time. Effective dates are November 7 through November 22 for the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season and November 7 through November 15 for the Minnesota 200 Series deer season. All OHV trails located in southeastern Minnesota are close starting November 1.

Pillsbury State Forest at a glance...

RECREATION

Boat Ramp Nearby

Canoe / Kayak

Fishing

Swimming

TRAILS

3 Miles Cross-Country Skiing

1.2 Miles Hiking

27 Miles Horseback

27 Miles Mountain Biking


Attention Trail users

Most state forest roads and trails are open to mountain bikes unless posted.

FACILITIES

Green Bass Day-Use Area
Rock Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Shafer Lake Day-Use Area
Walter E. Stark Assembly Area and Horse Campground

OTHER DESTINATIONS

Meadow Brook WMA
Crow Wing State Park
Paul Bunyan State Trail