A STATE WATER TRAIL GUIDE TO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER ROUTE DESCRIPTION • CASS LAKE TO VERMILLION RIVER

Dunbar Little NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of watercraft campsite. Schram Lake; of the bridge. The riparian landscape now third largest inland lake. A slight breeze 1227.4 (L) Winnie Dam RecreationSand Area white sands, remnants of a time 6,000 1199.0(L) Little White Oak Lake Nature’s Nature's Lake WMA Lake watercraft campsite. Nushka Group Site; changes from wooded to wetlands. L can produce large waves across it. Portage left 297 yards. The U.S. Congress years ago when the landscape was much It is a 1.5 mile paddle from the Mississippi the river when facing downstream. ake ake Lake carry-in access, drinking water, shelter, Caution: do not paddle across Lake authorized construction of the dam drier and Lake Winnie was ringed with River to the Little White Oak Lake Access. GENERAL DESCRIPTION of ROUTE camground. 1249.0(R) Mississippi Meadows Mile Marker Winnibigoshish. Portage from Reese regulating the level of Lake Winnie in sand dunes. The Chippewa National Forest Decker L The river broadens into an area known as Landing (see below)Squaw by car to the Winnie 1881 on lands it had already granted to the now conducts prescribed burns of the 1195.3(R) Schoolcraft State Park The Mississippi connects lakes Cass and 1261.0(L) Carry-in access Mississippi Meadows. Ducks and geese Dam Recreation AreaLake on the east side of Ojibwe people of Minnesota. “No white wetlands, which has brought back several The Vermillion River joins the Mississippi Winnibigoshish, two large lakes formed as giant ice use these wetlands for raising young and the lake. If you must paddle, do so only in man knows of the damage that will be plant species. If the river level gauge reads River at Schoolcraft State Park, a small blocks melted on plains created by glaciers 10,000 1254.8(R) Knutson Dam Recreation Area beginning their fall migration. The pines warm weather and stay within swimming done to us,” Sturgeon Man, a Lake Winnie 5.0’ or above, water is high; water level is park with a handsome stand of red pine. years ago. These lakes have always been important to Portage right 297 yards. The Chippewa on the point, jutting off the river’s right distance of the shore. resident, told a government commission medium at 2.0’ to 5.0’, and water is low Camping and public access are available at the Ojibwe people of northern Minnesota, and today, National Forest controls the level of Cass bank, are more than 100 years old. Round Lake appointed to address the problem. “Every below 2.0’. the park, including one river access only lie within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Lake at Knutson Dam, and operates a 40- 1247 (R) Reese Landing year what supports us growsSand onLake this place. campsite. Reservation. These are extensive public lands, unit campground at the dam site. The 1248.3(R) Lydick Brook Mile Marker Located on Winnie’s western shore, to If the dam is built, we will all be scattered, 1210.2(L) Leech Lake River Access and campsite managed by the U.S. Forest Service as the Chippewa Chippewa National Forest maintains three The confluence of Lydick Brook from the your right as you enter the lake. we will have nothing to live on.” The dam The Leech Lake River meets the This location marks the down river boundary of this National Forest. The river is gentle, suitable for novice campgrounds and public accesses on Cass south help create the Mississippi was built and compensation was provided Mississippi here. map. Refer to map 3, Vermillion River to Palisade for paddlers. The rewards of the paddle are forested Lake’s southeastern shore. There are Meadows. The creek’s name comes from a 1246.5(L) Governor’s Pt. Cmpst. and access to Sturgeon Man’s ancestors 104 years further information. Talmoon

shorelines, pine-covered islands, and eagles soaring beautiful sand beaches at these sites. homesteading familyDi whose son later, in 1985. The dam elevated water 1208.6 (R) Gambler’s Point campsite and rest area

x overhead. Norway Beach offers interpretive represented the areaon in the U.S. Congress. 1242.6 (L) West Winnie Campground levels about eight feet, wiping out This campsite provided the only access to

River miles are counted upstream from the programs in the summer. A significant archaeologicalLake site was Located on the lake’s western shore, to the cemeteries, villages, shoreline crops and land from the river as it makes its way Mississippi’s confluence with the Ohio River, uncovered when part of the Great River left as the paddler enters the lake. Water plants. Today, the Leech Lake Indian though a series of oxbows, created as the Jesse according to a system developed by the U.S. Army 1254.2 State Highway 39 bridge Road system was rebuilt in 1995. access, drinking water, rest area. Reservation’s fish hatchery is located near river cut channels in soft material laid Lake Corps of engineers. This is a gentle stretch of river, bordered the dam site. down by glaciers. Many of these had been 1263.0-54.8 Cass Lake by mixed hardwood forest. Most of the 1248.0(R) Meadows Campsite 1232.0(R) Tamarack Point Water Access dredged during logging years to provide a Little Cass Lake access/rest area; shelter, Moose land is publicly owned; paddlers will see 1225.7(L) Little Winnibigoshish Lake more direct route for log movement. telephone, drinking water, picnic area, boat Lake little development past this point. The river 1247.3(R) Smiling Joe’s Campsite 1235.0 Tamarack Pt. Cmpgrd. and access access, parking, dock.Pim Norway Beach Rec leaves the Mississippi Headwaters Board’s Note: There are several campsites and 1222.2(L) Crazy James’ Point 1203 & 1201.8(L) Channels to White Oak Lake ushe La Area; shelter, telephone, drinking water, “Scenic” designation and enters a section 1244-1228 Lake33 Winnibigoshish accesses located on the northeast side of This river access only campsite is located From White Oak Lake Access it is a one picnic area, campground, boat access, managed as “Wild.” The lake’s name means “dirty water” in Lake Winnie. See the resource list at the in a mixed pine and hardwood forest. mile walk to Deer River for supplies. Little showers, swimming, wheelchairke Ojibwe, referring to the effect of wind on end of this map for contacts. Jesse accessible. O’Neils Point; watercraft 1251.3(R) Co. Rd. 33 Bridge and access the lake’s sandy shorelines. Lake 1215.3(R) U.S. Highway 2 Lake Morph MeadowsMorph WMA campsite. South Star Island; The access is located on the downriver side Winnibigoshish, or Winnie, is Minnesota’s 1228.0(L) Plug Hat Point (L) The Mississippi’s channel is lined with fine

39 Third River Access Bowstring Moose Lake Bowstring Lake 20 33 Muskrat East Seelye Bay Campground Bay River 33 Mosomo Point 35 Thir Pigeon Campground Big Rice Bowstring State Forest d R Dam West Seelye Bay i Grouse ver Flowage Lake Lake Campground Bay Cow Popple Deer Lake Bay Lake Cutfoot Buena Vista State Forest Deer Lake Sioux Campground Lake On-E-Gum-E Campground Little Pennington Bowstring Kitchi Lake Bog SNA Big Williams Narrows Lake Lake Campground First Ri

ver Bowstring Deer Kenogama Lake Yard WMA South First River 6 12 McAvity Bay Landing (Caution: High wind and boat waves 46 39 may cause hazardous conditions. Paddling across the lake is not recommended) 1235 Knutson Dam Rec. Area 1230 Bowstring Deer Portage Right • 297 yards Winnie Dam Recreation Area Yard WMA U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buck R Mississippi River Sugar Lake L Rice Lake Lake 1255 COUNTY ITASCA WMA Sugar Lake Plug Hat Point

Allen’s Bay 1250

Co. Rd. 33 West Winnie Campground Island 1240 9 Lake 1260 O’Neils Point Tamarack Point Portage Left Campground 297 yards Li Nushka Group Site ttl e Little Ball 1245 Birches Landing Lake Windigo Reservation, Group W Club Portage Camping Only Governor’s inni Schram Meadows Point Lak Lake Lake 10 bigoshish e Star Lake Windigo Cass Lake Smiling Joe’s Lake Winnibigoshish BELTRAMI COUNTY L y Island d i CASS COUNTY c k

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Ball Club Lake St. Marks Portage Lake Bena CASS COU Accesses NTY Deer River Pike Bay Bluff Lakes 2 1215 river level gauge White Oak Lake Access Ten Section L. Ball Club 18 2 Carry-in Access Rest Area Drinking Water Hospital Sixmile Lake ke #2 Access White Oak Lake a 1205 L Moss Water Access Safe Refuge Dam River Mile South Pike Bay Lake Campground Safe Refuge is shelter with 8 Gambler’s Point win T Outfitter access to a telephone Interpretive Center Rapids 1210 Campsite Little Twin Picnic Area Point of Interest Mississippi River 11 Lake Dock Designated Co. Rd. 3 Public Land Hole-in-the-Bog Campground Fishing Pier Fish Hatchery Peatlan d SNA 3 Little Lake Lake River Moss Thirteen Watercraft Caution Areas eech Little White Lake L Oak Lake 1200 Campsite R Access

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e Drumbeater Mud Goose WMA Lake For Interstate HighwayU.S. Highway State Highway County Road Mud/Goose WMA Mud Lake

al al 3 18 01234miles Welsh W.M.A. = Wildlife Management Area Lake Portage Right 6 North 0 1234kilometers S.N.A. = Scientific and Natural Area #10

ewa Nation ewa Access 1190 Crooked Federal Steamboat Lake Chipp Dam WMA Sucker Bay (Leech Lake) Leech Lake Leech Lake Recreation Area National Forest Chippewa 64 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Goose Lake Schoolcraft State Park 1195 R 8 Vehicle Permits Required Leaning Willow L Hwy 6 Campsite eight Access Van Patter River Vermilion o Lake n

Steamboat Bay Bk (Leech Lake) Leighton Lake © 2014 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources Cass Lake to Vermillion River A STATE WATER TRAIL GUIDE TO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 2 of 9 ISSISSIPPI- M WATER STATE IVERA TRAIL Guide R “...such was the nature and strength of the grass that it required the united strength of the whole crew to force a canoe throught it.”

Lietenant James Allen, on paddling the Mississippi River near Lake Winnibigoshish in 1832.

Minnesota State Parks and Trails mndnr.gov/watertrails HEADWATERS RIVER TRAIL PLANNING A SAFE RIVER TRIP ABOUT THIS RIVER SECTION tradition, the eagle flew to the Creator’s world to Schoolcraft State Park actually lies on both sides of

BELTRAMI speak on behalf of the Anishinabeg (Ojibwe) people, the river, although the buildings, campsites and boat ITASCA River Cass Lake to Vermillion River Turtle River Tur tl e who had displeased the Creator. access are located on the west bank. The stand of red Lake er v A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe journey, Bemidji Ri CLEAR- Bemidji Cass Lake rie WATER Lake Prai Respecting the eagle’s bravery, the Creator agreed to pines here was prized by local people who lobbied the Winnibigoshish you should be prepared. You should be acquainted with Cass Lake Ball Club spare the Anishinabeg and teach them respect and state to establish the park in the 1960s. er Deer River your route. Choose a distance that is comfortable for you. Riv Cohasset af Leech River Lake Grand Rapids honor for all creatures. The Creator made the eagle a Lake Itasca Water levels can speed you or slow you: get information Lake George Vermillion

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Pokegama an Ri Lake about water levels from the regional DNR Minnesota symbol of the connection between the Creator’s world HEADWATERS RESOURCES v

e Walker r HUBBARD Remer Splithan U.S.D.A FOREST SERVICE - CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST d State Parks and Trails office, or check the river level and the world of the Anishinabeg. “Those you protect, River Wil R lo Jacobson SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE iv w CASS er I will protect.” the Creator told the eagle. gauges listed in the route description section of this map. Route 3 Box 244, Cass Lake, MN 56633 • (218) 335-8600 Protect the water and shorelands and leave nothing Downstream from Lake Winnie, watch for white Big Sandy CROW WING Palisade Lake behind you except footprints. Remember that much of sands on the river’s bottom as you near Highway 2. LEECH LAKE TRIBAL COUNCIL

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r o Cross Lake Pi DIVISION OF RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ne Ri the shorelands are privately owned. Here’s a checklist This material is a remnant of ancient sand dunes that Win ver McGregor g

River Route 3 Box 100, Cass Lake, MN 56633 • (218) 335-8240 you should consider in planning your trip: formed by wind action on Lake Winnie’s southeast Crosby Aitkin Deerwood Riverton shore during a hot and dry period more than 6,000 MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AITKIN Gull LakePillager REGION 2 HEADQUARTERS Brainerd • Travel with a companion or group. Plan your trip with years ago.

er The Mississippi River makes a question mark shape on 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • (218) 327-4455 v Ri a map before you depart and advise someone of your asipp Below, it’s confluence with the Leech Lake River, Nok i Fort Ripley the land as it travels from Lake Itasca to St. Cloud. You plans including planned departure and arrival times. Large lakes are the Mississippi’s defining Randall the Mississippi’s channel deepens, and the riparian CASS LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE L ittl are invited to follow the Headwaters River Trail down characteristics as it flows east from Bemidji through Elk e MORRISON R 422 Birch Avenue NW, P.O. Box 548, Cass Lake, MN 56633 i • Most people paddle two to three river miles per hour. ve r the first 420 miles of the Mississippi River. At Lake marsh plain doubles in width. The river once created Little Falls • Plan for big water. Do not underestimate the power of the town of Cass Lake and towards Grand Rapids. (218) 335-6723 R Swan ive oxbows here, which are now abandoned river r Itasca, the Headwaters trickle over a stone ledge, where wind and waves on large lakes. Lake Bemidji, Cass Glaciers created these lakes thousands of years ago. Royalton segments filling with vegetation. The marshes and U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS you can wade across the mighty river. Tributaries add Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish can be dangerous; stay The lakes are a challenge to the river traveler, and can momentum for the 2,348 mile trek to the Gulf of Mexico; natural oxbows are considered geologically significant HEADWATERS LAKES PROJECT OFFICE within swimming distance of shore. If you are be quite dangerous. The lakes keep the water quality P.O. Box 130, Remer, MN 56672 • (218) 566-2306 Sartell groundwater contributes two-thirds of the Mississippi by the State of Minnesota, although that designation St. Cloud pristine, support a healthy population of game fish, uncomfortable with large open water, plan to use a carries no special protection. River’s initial flow. From the Headwaters, the river flows vehicle to portage around the lakes. and are the main attractions of the area. SCHOOLCRAFT STATE PARK The oxbows of the river’s channel support many Cass County Road 74, Deer River, MN 56636 • (218) 247-7215 through nine lakes. Glacial hills, called moraines, and • Bring a first aid kit that includes waterproof matches. Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish were created “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources glacial depressions, now lakes and wetlands, create forms of wildlife, such as fish, mink, raccoon, otter, • You must pack out all trash. when large ice blocks, lying under glacial till, melted. MINNESOTA INDIAN AFFAIRS COUNCIL is an Equal Opportunity Employer” wood ducks, mallard & merganser. When filled with scenic views. Wetlands, marshes, and oxbows act as • Be cautious of river obstructions, such as Henry Schoolcraft named Cass Lake for Lewis Cass, 1819 Bemidji Avenue, Bemidji, MN 56601 • (218) 755-3825 natural filtration systems, preserving water quality. water during high conditions, such as melting snows in overhanging and dead trees in the river. who, as governor of Michigan, led an expedition to the This information is available in alternative Rapids and riffles dot the entire river. Fishing is great! the spring, the oxbows provide protected shelter for NORTHERN MINNESOTA HISTORY REFERENCE MATERIALS • Leave only footprints; take only photographs! Mississippi’s headwaters in 1820. He MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY format upon request. River elevation drops 500 feet from Itasca to St. Cloud. spawning fish. Careful control of water ended his journey at the lake, known as A.C. Clark Library, Bemidji State University Hydropower and water control dams require portages. A levels at upstream and downstream Bemidji, MN 56601 • (218) 755-2955 Rest Areas and Camping Sites Red Cedar Lake for the distinctive tree, braided river pattern joins the Mesabi and Cuyuna Iron dams is necessary to avoid flooding the Online water trail information and which is not as easily found today. Ranges — 100 miles apart by road and 200 miles by homes of fur-bearing animals, such as LEECH LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE maps can be found at Schoolcraft was part of the 1820 P.O. Box 1089, Walker, MN 56484 • (218) 547-1313 river. The Cuyuna Range is the most rugged area of the • Public rest areas are muskrats, or separating spawning fish mndnr.gov/watertrails expedition, and vowed then to complete Headwaters. Near Brainerd, development and agriculture available along the route in the oxbow from the main channel. GRAND RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE increase with a more defined channel; natural to rest, picnic and it, which he did 12 years later when he 1 Third Street NW, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 White Oak Lake and Little White Oak (218) 326-6619 • 1-800-GRAND MN Minnesota State Parks and Mississippi Headwaters characteristics are preserved. explore. renamed Cass Lake. Schoolcraft met

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P I GRAND RAPIDS AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU S P.O. Box 3000, Walker, MN 56484 S plain lying northeast from the I S S I 218-547-7263 campsites, which are was Ozawindib who led Schoolcraft to M joint powers board organized to protect the natural, 1601 Minnesota Drive 1 Third Street NW, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 E H OF T mhbriverwatch.dst.mn.us Mississippi River. Between the two Brainerd, MN 56401 cultural, scenic, scientific and recreational values available on a first come- Lake Itasca. (218) 326-9607 • 1-800-355-9740 218-828-2619 lakes is the highest point of elevation identified in the Mississippi Headwaters Guide Book. first serve basis. Conifers dominate the sandy soils of this landscape. in the marshes from Little Winnie Lake to the The Headwaters is an extraordinary place for wildlife and • Bring drinking water. It Aspen, birch, sugar maple, basswood, red oak, and bur Mississippi’s confluence with Vermillion River. Its SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS This Publication was produced by the Mississippi Headwaters board in rare plants. Citizens protect the Mississippi River at its is only available at a oak are found on richer soils. Unique features are the cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Financial location was frequently noted as a stopping point by Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and attractive support was provided by the folowing organizations. Headwaters to help provide safe drinking water to limited number of rest white sands of the dunes that once surrounded Lake early travelers, including Joseph Nicollet in 1836. The natural environment. Sustainable outdoor recreation enables Minnesota Power millions of people downstream in St. Cloud and the Twin areas. Drinking river Winnibigoshish, the oxbows of the river channel and people to enjoy the outdoors without negative impacts on the REI/National Rivers Coalition water is not sedge grass marsh above Day’s High Landing is the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board Cities, and in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, the extensive stands of upland pines. environment. Communities working together can improve largest on the Mississippi, and the largest wetland Itasca Trails Task Force Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. recommended, but if you The large red and white pines of the upland water resources by promoting environmentally sensitive McKnight Foundation south of Red Lake, covering 12 square miles of area. National Forest Foundation Choose a wilderness experience or visit parks with a do it must be treated. coniferous forests are favorite roosting places for the land-use practices along rivers and throughout watersheds. Natural shoreline buffers improve water quality by filtering out variety of facilities. Either way you will see a unique • Respect private property. bald eagle. Minnesota has the largest number of Stop only at designated pollutants and sediments. Healthy and diverse native shoreline place and meet the people who live here. The Mississippi breeding bald eagles in the lower 48 states. One-third River is a fun place to visit. sites; much of the shoreland is private property. plant communities are attractive and provide important habitat DNR Information Center • Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury or more of the state’s population can be seen in the for birds and wildlife. The DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free human waste away from the river. Chippewa National Forest, through which the publications of facilities and services as well as answers questions Mississippi flows. Natural pertaining to DNR recreational opportunities in Minnesota. Shorelands Protection and management of bald eagle habitat has 40% evaporation Boating Information The DNR Information Center been a priority with the National Forest since the 10% runoff 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 651-296-6157 Metro Area 1960s. There were 20 pairs of breeding bald eagles in 50% infiltration 1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free • Wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation 1963; 31 years later, 189 breeding pairs of bald eagles device. were counted in the Chippewa National Forest. Altered Shorelands mndnr.gov 30% evaporation • Bring an extra paddle. Biologists believe that this may be the ecological limit • Not all portions of this water trail are suitable for 55% runoff of the bird’s population. 15% infiltration motor use. You can make a difference by joining the DNR The success of the Chippewa National Forest in Adopt-a-River Program. Be a clean up volunteer • Register your watercraft. All watercraft more than 9 for a portion of your favorite recreation area. Call restoring bald eagle population has a special meaning the DNR Information Center for a brochure, or feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and visit mndnr.gov/adoptariver. kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or your state for the original people of the Mississippi Headwaters. of residence. The Ojibwe people consider the bald eagle to be a Photos: Peter Card II messenger from the Creator. According to Ojibwe oral © 2014 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources