The Creepiest Hike In Minnesota Takes You To An Abandoned Village

Have you ever visited any of Minnesota’s abandoned places? Our state is home to an abandoned lighthouse, an abandoned tunnel, and more than a few abandoned towns – including the one we’d like to introduce today. This one is at a Minnesota state park, and it’s easy to visit for those who can do a short hike through the park. Once you’re there, you’ll discover an eerily abandoned place that might feel just a little bit creepy. Read on below to learn more about the abandoned village at Crow Wing State Park:

Crow Wing State Park is a beautiful park in central Minnesota, alongside the Mississippi River. About 120 miles northwest of the Twin Cities, or 50 miles north of St. Cloud, it’s a great day or weekend trip for many Minnesotans.

Brett Whaley/Flickr

The park covers over 3,100 acres and is full of wildlife. Around 14 miles of hiking trails lead throughout the park, where you’ll pass through forests of oak and pine, prairies, and wetlands.

Ron Hubert/Google

The trails also lead to the park’s most famous attraction: the site of Old Crow Wing. This began as an Ojibwe village. European settlers moved into the area in the early 1800s.

Banle Gaar/Google

In time, Old Crow Wing grew into one of Minnesota’s most populous towns. A busy trading post, the town had many buildings that attracted residents.

Kelly Schadeck/Google

Unfortunately, a railroad north of the town diminished its importance. Most people moved on, including the Ojibwe, who were forced to resettle on the White Earth Indian Reservation. By 1880, Old Crow Wing was abandoned.

John Geyer/Google

When you visit Crow Wing State Park, you’ll find mostly memories. The buildings are mostly gone, except for the Clement Beaulieu house, which belonged to one of the town’s early fur traders.

Bjorn/Flickr

The abandoned house, combined with the forgotten town, makes for a somewhat creepy atmosphere when you visit this state park - but this abandoned town is full of history and well-worth the visit!

NVJ/Flickr

Have you visited Crow Wing State Park? Let us know what you thought in the comments! And if you’re interested in other forgotten places in Minnesota, check out our abandoned places road trip and our Minnesota ghost towns road trip.