Outdoor Science and Learning
Nature viewing in the Superior National Forest is source of inspiration whether you are a photographer, artist, naturalist, or just seek to find yourself in nature. The land is one of contrasts. Blue lakes, dark green pines, colorful maples, and bare rock complement each other in a varied landscape inhabited by a full complement of wildlife. You may see one of the 'big three': a moose, a wolf, or a black bear. Or, you may focus on finding some of the 318 species of birds that have been recorded on the Superior National Forest. For more information on birding, visit our birding page. As the seasons progress, you will be treated to different images of the Forest. The deep greens and blues of summer days change to a spectacular red and gold fall. Fall is followed by the hushed white of winter, broken by the sound of running water and the smell of wet earth in the spring.
Whatever season you choose to visit, and whatever aspect of nature you turn to for inspiration, you'll be able to find it here. For some tips on viewing and just few of the infinite possible viewing spots, click on the headings above.
Walking through the woods, picking up rocks on the beach, sitting by a campfire - you’ll find that your appreciation of your visit to Superior National Forest will be enriched by coming to one of our many summer naturalist programs. Join our naturalists as we explore the Forest from its wolves and butterworts to its lumber mills and people. Perhaps you’d like to use a bat detector to check out the local night life, or to walk on a 1.1 billion year old lava flow. Or maybe you’d rather toast a marshmallow on the fire or try your luck at finding blue winged warblers. Regardless of which you choose, chances are good that if you’re visiting the North Woods, you love nature and that you’d love to go to one of our naturalist programs.
North Shore Resort Naturalist Programs
Each year, naturalist programs are offered at a variety of resorts and campgrounds along the North Shore through the Resort Naturalist Program. This program is cooperatively funded by the USDA Forest Service and the Visit Cook County. All naturalist programs are free of charge and open to everyone. Activities including hikes and campfires are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday every week during the summer.
Boundary Waters Wild!
Want to learn about the natural history of the BW? Or maybe want to know how to make haute cuisine on a iron fire grate, the life history of the moose, or maybe some special paddling strokes from the voyageur era. The Superior National Forest is giving presentations on the kinds of things that can make your life in the "BW" more interesting and more fun at the historic Chik-Wauk Lodge near the end of the Gunflint Trail from 2:00 - 3:30 on Wednesdays, starting mid-June and ending at the end of August.
For more information, link to the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center site.
Viewing Wildlife
Viewing wildlife requires a combination of location, patience, and luck. While we can help with a list of good possible locations, the patience and luck is up to you. The Superior National Forest is a healthy forest ecosystem, and that means that wildlife is not as easily seen as it is in zoo. Even spots like 'Moose Viewing Trail' are no guarantee - in fact probably more people see moose as they are driving to the Moose Viewing Trail than they do from the trail itself.
Roadways provide wildlife with travel corridors and people with a clear unimpeded view, and so often a trip in the car is a good method of seeing larger wildlife. Additionally, the car itself can act as a photoblind, and you are able to cover a large area. Be sure though to keep a few safety tips in mind when you are looking for wildlife while on a drive. Don't stop suddenly without checking your mirrors for following traffic. On one lane roads, pull over far enough that you leave passing room on the road, but check the shoulder before driving on it. Don't stop if you are in a location where you are hidden from approaching vehicles. Drive at a safe speed.
When viewing wildlife on a trail or from a canoe, abide by the Leave No Trace principle of 'Respect Wildlife'. Let the animal decide how close together you are. Quit approaching an animal if its behavior changes or if it starts to pay attention to you. Be especially careful with moose. Moose approached too closely may charge, and often give only subtle signs that you are getting too close.
Moose, wolves, lynx, and black bears deserve some special attention as our best known species. Follow the links for information about these large animals.
Sometimes people forget that birds are wildlife too, and the Superior is great place for birding. For more information about birding as well as a checklist, visit our birding page and follow this link for information about our state bird, the loon.
Visit some of the sites below for good chances of wildlife, but remember that wildlife could be anywhere!
Viewing Scenery
Perhaps the most important thing to bring with when viewing scenery is the right attitude. Remember that scenery is literally everywhere: from mountain top views to focusing in on a lichen on a twig. Sometimes the best scene is not expected, and you have to be open the area around you to catch that perfect view. Many of the scenic overlooks listed below are vistas from a high point, but as you make that climb to the top, don't forget to notice your surroundings on the way up. This may be one of those trips where the journey is even better than the goal.
Visitor Centers
While there are no officially designated visitor centers on the Superior, our Headquarters building in Duluth and our District offices have lobby areas with interpretive displays as well as gifts and souvenirs for purchase. These spaces are also where you can talk to Forest Service personnel who can help you with information on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, camping in the Forest, and other recreational activities. They can also assist with other permitted uses of the Forest and its resources.
Visitor Programs
There's nothing quite like an evening campfire program or daytime hike with your family to learn about moose or bears or wildflowers or maybe even some astronomy. Our naturalist programs are entertaining for the kids and adults alike. Scheduled naturalist programs are offered on the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts during the summer through the Resort Naturalist Program. Other Districts on the Forest have occasional programs as well - contact the District office for more information.
Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities
Elbow Lake (Gunflint)
Elbow Lake Backcountry Campsites (Tofte)
Fall Lake Campground
Fenske Lake Campground
Finger Lake Backcountry Campsite
Flour Lake Campground
Frear Lake Backcountry Campsites
Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground
Homer Lake