Superior National Forest

Lake Jeanette

Superior is surrounded by several national Forests, Parks, and Monuments, including Chippewa National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, Isle Royale National Park, and Grand Portage National Monument.

Just northwest, on the Canadian border lies Voyageurs National Park, which was named for the French-Canadian fur traders of the 18th century. This wet and marshy park highlights some great boating—whether it be by motorboat, canoe, sailboat, or houseboat.

West of Superior is Chippewa National Forest. Along with many of the recreational activities the park offers, a featured attraction is birding. The forest has over 230 species of birds, including the bald eagle. In recent years the forest has become a popular eagle viewing spot.

To the east in Michigan is Isle Royale National Park, an archipelago wilderness, and not to be overlooked is Grand Portage National Monument, where you can hike along the Grand Portage and Mount Rose Trails.

Many state forests run alongside Superior National Forest. The coniferous and wildlife-rich George Washington State Forest lies just west of Superior. Here roams gray fox, lynx, moose, bobcat, timber wolf, loon, flying squirrel, and much more. Though it may be tough to view all of these animals in the wild, many of them can be seen while hiking or backpacking through the forest. Other nearby state forests include Itasca State Park, where you can cross the shallow and stone-strewn beginning of the Mississippi River on foot.