Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd

Crow Wing State Park – In Detail

Crow Wing State Park, located just south of Brainerd, Minnesota, is a historically significant and ecologically rich park that preserves one of the most important fur trading and Ojibwe settlements in Minnesota’s early history. Set at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers, this 3,100-acre park offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Historical Importance

Crow Wing State Park sits on the former site of Old Crow Wing, once a bustling mid-19th-century frontier town and one of Minnesota’s earliest settlements. The area has seen centuries of human activity, especially as a central location in the Red River Ox Cart Trail, which linked St. Paul to Fort Garry (now Winnipeg) via wooden-wheeled oxcarts operated primarily by Métis and Ojibwe traders.

Ojibwe and Dakota History: The park’s landscape bears witness to a longstanding cultural presence. Long before European contact, it was a key location for seasonal Native gatherings and trade. In 1768, an infamous battle took place when Ojibwe warriors ambushed a Dakota group at this very site, an event commemorated through historical interpretation on the trails.

Fur Trade Hub: In the early 1800s, fur traders and missionaries established posts along the Mississippi. The town of Crow Wing became the headquarters for trade and diplomacy between cultures. Its location made it vital to commerce, and its multicultural population included Ojibwe families, Métis traders, European immigrants, and African Americans.

Clement Beaulieu House: Built in 1849 by a prominent fur trader of mixed French and Ojibwe ancestry, this house is the only remaining structure from the old town. Restored and preserved, it serves as a poignant link to the town’s golden years before the rise of Brainerd and the rerouting of the railroad brought its decline.

Natural Environment

The park is characterized by a wide range of ecosystems shaped by glacial outwash and the merging of rivers:

Woodlands: Dominated by red and white pines, oaks, and aspens. These forests support a wide range of birdlife and mammals.

Prairie Remnants: Open stretches with native grasses and wildflowers offer important pollinator habitat and contrast the shaded woodland paths.

Wetlands & River Edges: The convergence of the rivers creates ideal conditions for beavers, herons, otters, and waterfowl.

Bluffs and Lookouts: Elevated views from places like Chippewa Lookout provide expansive vistas over the Mississippi River and its marshes.

Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks, and bald eagles, especially prominent in winter when they roost in the tall pines.

Trails and Recreation

Crow Wing State Park has a well-maintained trail system, totaling over 18 miles, which takes visitors through historical and natural highlights:

Historic Townsite Trail: A self-guided interpretive walk through the original street grid of Old Crow Wing. Wooden boardwalks and signage reveal the foundations of buildings, including homes, stores, and the Catholic mission.

Red River Trail Segment: Part of the historic route where ox carts once rolled is now a serene walking trail.

Chippewa Lookout Trail: Leads to a scenic overlook above the Mississippi, especially beautiful during fall foliage.

Paul Bunyan State Trail Connection: A 6.5-mile paved biking trail runs from the park north toward Brainerd, joining the much longer 115-mile Paul Bunyan Trail network.

Winter Activities: Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular, with several ungroomed but accessible routes available.

Camping and Visitor Amenities

The park is well-equipped for campers and day visitors alike, offering:

Drive-in Campground: 59 campsites, including 12 with electrical hookups. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at each site. Water is seasonally available, and there is a modern restroom and shower building.

Camper Cabin: A rustic cabin for year-round use, with heat and basic furnishings-ideal for non-tent campers.

Group Camps and Picnic Shelter: Group camping areas are available, and a reservable shelter includes electricity and access to toilets-popular for family reunions and gatherings.

Water Access: A concrete boat launch provides easy access to both the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Interpretive Programs: Park naturalists occasionally host events or educational sessions on history, wildlife, or geology, particularly in summer.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Fall offers exceptional views from Chippewa Lookout as trees burst into color. Spring is ideal for birdwatching as warblers and waterfowl migrate through.

What to Bring: Bug spray is essential in summer due to wetland proximity. Bring binoculars for eagles and a camera for photographing the historic sites.

Fishing: Licenses are required, but the confluence area is excellent for northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass.

Accessibility: One camper cabin and several trails are designed for limited mobility access. There are also ADA-compliant campsites and toilets.

Pet Policy: Pets are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Owners must clean up after pets.

Park Hours and Entry: Open daily year-round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A daily vehicle permit or annual Minnesota State Park Pass is required.

Overall Experience

Crow Wing State Park offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Indigenous peoples, fur traders, missionaries, and settlers in one of the state’s most historically layered landscapes. The park’s quiet beauty-its meandering river trails, the whisper of oxcart wheels in interpretive signage, and the preserved townsite-makes for a reflective and scenic getaway. Whether you’re a camper, historian, hiker, or family traveler, the park offers solitude, discovery, and a deep sense of Minnesota’s cultural roots.