Minnesota has 66 state parks, one national park, and countless other local parks that are perfect to visit when you want to spend some time in the great outdoors. However, there is one overlooked type of park in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that deserves much more attention. Minnesota has nearly a dozen state recreation areas that are brimming with beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife. It is at one of these parks where you can find endless boardwalks to explore. Read on to learn about the wonderful – and wonderfully strange – Big Bog State Recreation Area.
Big Bog State Recreation Area is found in far northern Minnesota, near the shores of Upper Red Lake. You’ll find it at 55716 MN-72, Waskish, MN 56685.
Justin B/TripAdvisor
The park is home to 9,459 acres of wetlands.
Justin B/TripAdvisor
A walk along the mile-long boardwalk will take you through some of its most interesting sights.
lasvegas77/TripAdvisor
The boardwalk is bordered on both sides by fascinating scenery. The wetlands are mostly made up of bogs and swamps.
M C Morgan/Flickr
Many different animals make homes in this recreation area. Small frogs and fish swim through the swampy areas, and eagles, wolves, and moose roam among the trees.
Tim K/TripAdvisor
Along the boardwalk, spruce trees in particular are abundant.
Eli Sagor/Flickr
But you’ll find many other types of trees, too. The park is home to jackpine, cedar, tamarack, birch, aspen, pine, and several other tree species.
Chris Tompkins/Wikipedia
There are also other fascinating plants unlike any you’ve likely ever seen before.
Justin B/TripAdvisor
. You might be surprised to learn that a few species of carnivorous plants thrive in Big Bog State Recreation Area.
M C Morgan/Flickr
Sundews and pitcher plants - photographed below - eat small insects found in the bogs.
USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr
This unique landscape is one of the most interesting parts of Minnesota. It was recently nominated as a Wetland of Distinction by the Society of Wetland Scientists.
lasvegas77/TripAdvisor
Explore this park’s boardwalk to discover just how much interesting flora and fauna makes its home in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
M C Morgan/Flickr
Have you ever explored the boardwalk at Big Bog State Recreation Area? What did you think?
Justin B/TripAdvisor
lasvegas77/TripAdvisor
M C Morgan/Flickr
Tim K/TripAdvisor
Eli Sagor/Flickr
Chris Tompkins/Wikipedia
USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr
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Address: 55716 MN-72, Waskish, MN 56685
