Big Bog State Recreation Area

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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!

Make plans now for a spring vacation - campsites and cabins are open! Showers and restrooms are now open.

Park Notes

Year-Round Camper Cabins

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. A family-style modern shower/restroom is available year-round at the Visitor Center. 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.

Firewood Restrictions Information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists.

Birders:

Bird Checklist at Big Bog State Recreation Area.

Park Highlights

Fishing	Camping
Birdwatching	Bog Boardwalk
Swimming	Picnicking

Events

Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

06/01/12 - 08/31/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
06/02/12	Big Bog State Park	Busy Bees in the Big Bog
06/08/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
06/09/12	Big Bog State Park	Bog Flowers on the Boardwalk
06/15/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
06/16/12	Big Bog State Park	Geocaching 101
06/22/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
06/23/12	Big Bog State Park	AnimalTracks for Kids
06/29/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
06/30/12	Big Bog State Park	Fire Tower Tour
07/04/12	Big Bog State Park	Fourth of July Flotilla
07/06/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
07/07/12	Big Bog State Park	Archery in the Park
07/08/12	Big Bog State Park	MOSP Dragonfly & Damselfly Workshop
07/13/12	Big Bog State Park	Calling All Kids!
07/15/12	Big Bog State Park	Pop Can Fishing Clinic
07/15/12	Big Bog State Park	Historic Fish Hatchery Tours

Hours

Best time to contact the park:

Daily, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Contact

P.O. Box 428
Waskish, MN 56685

tel: 218-647-8592

fax: 218-647-8730

email: bigbog.statepark@state.mn.us

Getting There

Located on Highway 72, just north of the town of Waskish.