Big Bog

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Big Bog State Recreation Area has been called Minnesota's last true wilderness. This two-part recreation area includes a northern unit and a southern unit. The 500-square-mile peat bog, the largest in the lower 48 states, is located in the northern unit. A mile-long boardwalk, completed in 2005, enables visitors to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource. The bog, which has long been a source of medicinal plants for the Ojibwe Indians, represented a barrier to European settlers who tried in vain to drain it. Today, many of the native plants, including yellow-eyed grass, bog rush and two kinds of sundews, are on Minnesota's endangered or threatened species list. From orchids to carnivorous plants to rare birds, visitors will see a mixture of fascinating and rare resources.

The southern unit includes a campground with 31 campsites (26 electric sites) winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach, picnic grounds, and great fishing.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Visitor Alert!

Please note: Upper Red Lake walleye regulations to change.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2009 anglers can still keep four fish, but all walleye 17- to 26-inches in length must be immediately released. Anglers can keep one walleye longer than 26 inches. New regulations will continue through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010.

News release and additional information.

Camper Cabins available for year-round use:

Five camper cabins located in the southern unit have electricity and are heated for use year-round. These are rustic cabins with no indoor plumbing. Vault toilets next to the cabins are available in winter as well as summer season. A shower building is available for use in the campground on a seasonal basis.

Park Notes

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card this holiday season!

Firewood restrictions information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site.
More information
Vendor List