Did you know that Minnesota has more than 17 million acres of forest? That’s more than 26,000 square miles and more than 20 percent of Minnesota’s total area! In other words, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is also home to plenty of forested land. Much of this land has been used for logging both in the past and present. But by a stroke of luck, there’s a small section of forest that was passed over during Minnesota’s heavy logging days of the 1800s. Today, it stands as one of the oldest sections of trees in the state. You can visit it, and it’s a fascinating – and beautiful – place that nature lovers and historians alike can appreciate it. Read on below to learn more:
The Lost 40 is a 40-acre section of the more than 660,000-acre Chippewa National Forest. It’s in northern Minnesota, with the nearest towns being Northome, Bemidji, and Grand Rapids.
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This section of forest makes up a small park called the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area. SNAs are found all around Minnesota and are great places to find interesting parts of Minnesota’s nature or culture that aren’t quite big enough to be state parks.
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But what is the Lost 40, and where did it come from? The story goes back to the 1880s. Surveyors in the area mistakenly mapped the Lost 40 as Coddington Lake. The error was not caught until the 1960s!
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As a result, the trees in the Lost 40 were never cut down by loggers. Unlike the surrounding trees, these were left to stand.
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Today, there are two stands of old-growth forest in the Lost 40 that are made up of white and red pine. The oldest are around 240 years old!
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The age of the trees is certainly evident when you visit the forest. They tower over the land, and some are so thick that it’s impossible to put your arms around them.
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Visiting the Lost 40 is a great way to explore this ancient forest. There are trails that allow visitors to see the old trees up close.
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Look closely, and you’ll find plenty of other evidence of Minnesota’s interesting nature. From wildflowers to mushrooms to wildlife, there’s something to see in every part of the woods!
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Next time you’re looking for an interesting place to explore, consider paying a visit to the forest that maps forgot. Though the Lost 40 has been known since the 1960s, it has escaped logging since before Minnesota became a state!
Jessica Brouillette/Google
Have you ever been to the Lost 40? For more information about the forest, visit the Lost 40 SNA page on the Minnesota DNR website. And if you’re curious about other interesting forests in Minnesota, check out our past articles about the Minnesota-shaped forest and an old-growth forest with 250-year-old trees.
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Address: Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), Twp, Northome, MN 56661, USA
