We are very fortunate to have many miles of paved and unpaved trails in the Leech Lake area. The Paul Bunyan State Trail may be the most popular paved rail-to-trail system in the Leech Lake area. However, there are other paved trails; and, of course, miles and miles of unpaved trails. The multi-use Paul Bunyan State Trail is approximately 120 miles of paved trail from Crow Wing State Park (just south of Brainerd) to Bemidji State Park (in Bemidji). This trail and other trails in the area are used year-round for walking, hiking, biking, inline skating, or snowmobiling. With about 15 towns near the trails, there are many choices for lodging and dining. Of Continue Reading
Mississippi River Headwaters
The Mississippi River Headwaters is located in Itasca State Park and is only 34 miles from Walker MN and Leech Lake. The Mississippi River is 2,552 miles long and winds its way from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. For those of you who have seen the Mississippi River south of Walker or photos of it, you are probably visualizing a wide river. However, at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, you can walk across it…it’s a shallow stream or creek! Regardless of age, everyone I have taken to the headwaters has enjoyed walking across the Mississippi River. The MN DNR has a panoramic tour you can view online…just to make sure it’s something you want to see Continue Reading
