Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, Northeastern Minnesota Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from the city of Duluth, MN, head south on I-35 S for about 2 hours until you reach the junction with US-2 W. Take US-2 W towards Grand Rapids. After about 1 hour, merge onto MN-371 S and continue for approximately 30 minutes. You will then merge onto MN-200 W. Continue on MN-200 W for about 15 miles until you reach the town of Bemidji. From Bemidji, take the access road to Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, which is located just south of the city. There is no fee for entering the state forest.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Mississippi Headwaters State Forest via public transportation, take a Greyhound bus or a regional bus service to Bemidji, MN. The nearest bus station is located in downtown Bemidji. Once you arrive, you can use a taxi service or rideshare app such as Uber or Lyft to reach the forest. Ensure to check the bus schedule for the latest departure times. The cost for a one-way Greyhound ticket typically ranges from $30 to $50, depending on your departure location.

• Biking

  For the adventurous, biking from Bemidji to Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is a scenic option. Rent a bike in Bemidji and take the Paul Bunyan Trail that runs along the lake and through the forested areas. The ride is approximately 15 miles and is mostly on dedicated trails. It is recommended to wear a helmet and bring plenty of water. There might be a small fee for bike rentals, typically around $15 to $30 per day.