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Where the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers meet, sediment has been shaped into an island that Native Americans said resembled a raven's wing. The name "Raven's Wing" was changed to "Crow Wing" and became the name of a river, village, and in 1959, a state park.
With its river-junction location, diverse habitats and early transportation network, Crow Wing became a crossroads of Minnesota's natural and cultural heritage.
Eighteen miles of hiking trails explore a varied landscape of forest, wetland and prairie. The park has six miles of cross-country ski and snowmobile trails.
Bicycling is allowed in the park, but even more appealing is the 50-mile Paul Bunyan trail which runs through Brainerd, about 10 miles from the park.
Smallmouth bass and muskie are the big draw for anglers, but northern pike and walleye also are plentiful.
Explorers can see a bit of the past on a preserved portion of the Woods Trail that once served ox-cart trains carrying supplies from Selkirk, Manitoba, to Pembina, N.D., and onto St. Paul, Minn. Interpretive signs and brochures tell the history of the frontier town of Crow Wing which bustled here in the mid-1800s and died when the railroad bypassed it. Visitors also can see the historic Beaulieu House, built in 1849, that stands at the center of the old townsite.
Crow Wing has 59 campsites, including one canoe-in site and a camper cabin.
During the summer, hikes, films, talks and demonstrations are conducted at the amphitheater and other areas.
Outdoor Activities |
Crow Wing State Park sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers.
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