Bimijiwan (formerly Knutson Dam) recreation area

Area Status: Open

Bimijiwan (formerly Knutson Dam) recreation area is nestled six miles east of Cass Lake on U.S. Highway 2 and five miles north on County Road 10. Located on the northeast shore of Cass Lake, this campground is known for its canoe access to the Mississippi River. Constructed by the Corps of Engineers, Bimijiwan was transferred to the Forest Service in 1926. Campground facilities include accessible toilets, a well, 14 campsites, picnic area a fishing platform and boat ramps providing access to Cass Lake and the Mississippi River. | Site Map

The Dam

Bimijiwan (formerly Knutson Dam) recreation area, was originally built in the early 1900’s as a logging dam by the J. Neils Logging Company. In 1926, the Forest Service purchased the dam under Public Law 270. The dam was rebuilt in 1928 and reconstructed in 1964. It was the second in a series of eight dams on the Mississippi Headwaters lakes. Ottertail Power Company owns the dam upstream that controls the water level of Lake Bemidji. Six dams downstream are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE).

In 2015, the Chippewa National Forest successfully implemented the Knutson Dam Improvement Project. The project removed the failing dam and reconnected the Mississippi River at the outlet of Cass Lake through construction of an innovative rock arch rapids. The project restored spawning habitat for a variety of warm water species such as walleye and white sucker. It enhanced aquatic organism passage to over 30 miles of river and more than 72,000 acres of lakes such as Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish, which are world-class walleye fisheries. The project also improved recreational fishing access through the addition of a modern fishing pier, reduced the potential for lakeshore erosion on Cass Lake, and reduced the safety hazard of the former logging dam.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	August 2021 New tent pads have been added to tent sites 13 &14, and new fire rings. The 16’ X 16’ tent pads were constructed on top of the ground so there was no ground disturbance. Trees will be allowed to grow between the two tent sites. This will all help with the problem of campers setting up and no one knowing which site they are in if in one at all. Future Bimijiwan projects include: accessible path to sites, add top soil around the pads, new signs, re-striping the parking lot. Long range plans: create designated common areas for each campsite and refresh the RV parking pads, maybe electric.
Fees:	Use Fee/ $16 Night
Open Season:	05/13 - 09/06
Usage:	Medium
Closest Towns:	Cass Lake, Pennington, Blackduck
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	Operated by the Forest Service

General Information

Directions: Go six miles east of Cass Lake on U.S. Highway 2 and five miles north on County Road 10.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Campground is located on the northeast shore of Cass Lake, this campground is known for its canoe access to the Mississippi River. Constructed by the Corps of Engineers, then transferred to the Forest Service on 1926. Campground facilities include accessible toilets, a well, 14 campsites, picnic area, a fishing platform and boat ramps providing access to Cass Lake and the Mississippi River.

No. of Sites	14
No. of Accessible sites	14
Sleeping Shelter	No

RV Camping

Campground is located on the northeast shore of Cass Lake, this campground is known for its canoe access to the Mississippi River. Constructed by the Corps of Engineers, then transferred to the Forest Service on 1926. Campground facilities include accessible toilets, a well, 14 campsites, picnic area, a fishing platform and boat ramps providing access to Cass Lake and the Mississippi River.

No. of Sites	14
Size Restrictions	No
Corrals	No
No. of Accessible sites	14

Lake and Pond Fishing

Campground is located on the northeast shore of Cass Lake, this campground is known for its canoe access to the Mississippi River. Constructed by the Corps of Engineers, then transferred to the Forest Service on 1926. Campground facilities include accessible toilets, a well, 14 campsites, picnic area, a fishing platform and boat ramps providing access to Cass Lake and the Mississippi River.

Fish Species	Walleye, Northern, Muskie
Cleaning Station	Yes
Accessible Platform	No
Fishing Method	Boat, Canoe, Dock
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Interpretive Areas

The Mississippi River flows out of Cass Lake here at Bimijiwan and continues east across the center of the Forest. This site ties cultural and natural resources together. Set up camp, throw a line in at the fishing pier or start your canoe journey down the river. Great wildlife viewing!

Picnicking

Boating - Motorized

Boating - Non-Motorized

Campground is located on the northeast shore of Cass Lake, this campground is known for its canoe access to the Mississippi River. Constructed by the Corps of Engineers, then transferred to the Forest Service on 1926. Campground facilities include accessible toilets, a well, 14 campsites, picnic area, a fishing platform and boat ramps providing access to Cass Lake and the Mississippi River.