Map 1: Eleventh Crow Wing Lake to Nimrod
Named for a wing-shaped island at its mouth, the river rises in a chain of 11 lakes and then flows southeast for 90 miles before joining the Mississippi River. The Crow Wing River cuts through low marshland in its first twenty miles.
Hazards include rapids and dams. Be sure you know the locations of dams and portage routes. Also, be aware that some river channels between the northern chain of lakes can become so thickly filled with vegetation that they are impassable at times.
Recommended day trip
Huntersville (N) to Mary Brown
- Put-in location: river mile 82.6, Huntersville (N) carry-in access
- Take-out location: river mile 75.3, Mary Brown Rest Area carry-in access
- Length: 7.3 river miles
Paddle through Huntersville State Forest and past diverse habitat with low vegetation and mixed trees. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from local outfitters. With several watercraft campsites along the way, you could also lengthen your route for a multi-day trip.
Explore on shore
Huntersville State Forest
Huntersville State Forest offers several landings and watercraft campsites for paddlers. The Huntersville State Forest Landing is a great place to put in and take out, and has a primitive campground with sites available first-come, first served for a fee. This campground also gives you access to logging trails through the forest if you are looking to stretch your legs during a break from paddling.
Local contacts
DNR northwest regional office
3296 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-308-2372
Nearest medical facility
Chi St. Joseph's Health
600 Pleasant Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470
218-732-3311
Paddling still waters on the Crow Wing River.
Late fall colors along the Crow Wing River.
Map 2: Nimrod to the Mississippi River
This stretch of the river broadens and its banks rise as it flows southward through pine forest in northern Wadena County. Finally, it passes through river bottom forest before meeting the Mississippi River.
Hazards include rapids and dams. Be sure you know the locations of dams and portage routes.
Recommended day trip
Little White Dog to Cottingham County Park
- Put-in location: river mile 59.3, Little White Dog carry-in access
- Take-out location: river mile 49.5, Cottingham County Park carry-in access
- Length: 9.8 river miles
Paddle the river's twists and turns past thickly forested shoreline and tiny islands. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from local outfitters. The southern portion of this route is also popular for tubing during the summer.
Explore on shore
Wadena County Campgrounds
The Wadena County Parks System operates numerous primitive campgrounds along the Crow Wing River. Campsites are available for a fee and are a convenient option for multi-day river trips. Most campsites are first-come, first-served and offer a picnic table, fire ring and nearby water source and outhouse.
Local contacts
DNR northwest regional office
3296 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-308-2372
Nearest medical facility
Lakewood Health System
49725 County Road 83, Staples, MN 56479
218-894-1515
A still day on the Crow Wing River.
Sky reflections on the Crow Wing River.
