Big Falls MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Falls, Minnesota.
1. Pine Island State Forest
NATURAL FOREST WONDERLAND
Pine Island State Forest offers visitors a vast wilderness experience with numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The forest features pristine lakes, rivers, and dense pine stands that showcase Minnesota's natural beauty at its finest. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities ranging from summer fishing to winter snowmobiling through the expansive forest trails.
2. Big Falls Campground & Horse Camp
RIVERSIDE CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Big Falls Campground & Horse Camp provides a serene camping experience alongside the picturesque river that gives the town its name. The campground features dedicated facilities for equestrians, making it a perfect destination for those wanting to explore the area on horseback. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful sounds of rushing water while staying at this well-maintained outdoor accommodation option.
3. Norlund Chapel
HISTORIC SPIRITUAL LANDMARK
Norlund Chapel stands as a charming historic place of worship in the Big Falls area, offering visitors a glimpse into the local religious heritage. The chapel features traditional architecture and provides a peaceful setting for reflection or appreciation of historical structures. Its well-preserved condition and cultural significance make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in local history.
4. The River Golf Course
SCENIC RIVERSIDE GOLFING
The River Golf Course offers golfers a beautiful playing experience with scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape. This well-maintained course provides challenging holes for various skill levels while showcasing the beauty of northern Minnesota. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation in a picturesque setting.
5. Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota
ADVENTURE GEAR SPECIALISTS
Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota serves as the premier destination for outdoor adventure equipment and guided experiences in the Big Falls region. The outfitter provides essential gear, local knowledge, and professional services for those looking to explore the area's abundant waterways and forests. Visitors can arrange for guided trips or simply gather information about the best local outdoor activities from the knowledgeable staff.
6. Big Falls 4th of July Celebration
PATRIOTIC COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
The Big Falls 4th of July Celebration brings the entire community together for a festive day of patriotic activities, food, and entertainment. This annual event features traditional elements like parades, games, and spectacular fireworks that light up the northern Minnesota sky. Visitors from across the region gather to experience small-town American celebration at its finest, creating lasting memories in this charming riverside community.
7. Sturgeon River State Forest
WILD RIVER WILDERNESS
Sturgeon River State Forest encompasses a magnificent natural area where visitors can explore pristine wilderness along the namesake river. The forest offers exceptional opportunities for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal activities like hunting and snowmobiling. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the relatively undeveloped character of this forest, which preserves the authentic northern Minnesota ecosystem.
8. Big Bog State Recreation Area
UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL WONDER
Big Bog State Recreation Area features the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states, offering a unique ecological experience through its mile-long boardwalk. Visitors can explore this distinctive landscape, home to rare plants and wildlife species that have adapted to the unusual bog environment. The recreation area also includes interpretive displays that explain the scientific and historical significance of this natural wonder near Big Falls.
9. Ash River Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO VOYAGEURS
Ash River Visitor Center serves as an informative gateway to the magnificent Voyageurs National Park, providing essential information and orientation for park visitors. The center features exhibits about the park's natural and cultural history, including the legacy of the voyageurs who traveled these waterways. Rangers are available to help visitors plan their adventures in this water-based national park, which is accessible from the Big Falls region.
10. Voyageurs National Park
WATER-BASED WILDERNESS PARADISE
Voyageurs National Park offers an extraordinary wilderness experience centered around its interconnected waterways, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife. The park's unique water-based environment requires exploration by boat, creating a distinctive adventure for visitors seeking natural beauty and solitude. History comes alive as travelers follow routes used by the French-Canadian voyageurs who navigated these same waters centuries ago.
11. Koochiching County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Koochiching County Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural heritage of the region surrounding Big Falls. Exhibits showcase the area's logging history, indigenous cultures, and the development of communities along the Canadian border. Visitors gain insight into the resilient spirit of northern Minnesota's inhabitants through artifacts, photographs, and engaging storytelling.
12. Rainy Lake
BORDER WATERS PARADISE
Rainy Lake straddles the US-Canadian border, offering an expansive freshwater playground for fishing, boating, and nature appreciation. The lake's countless islands and hidden bays create perfect opportunities for exploration and discovery in a serene natural setting. Visitors are drawn to the exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in these pristine waters.
13. The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
SPECTACULAR FOREST DRIVE
The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway offers one of Minnesota's most beautiful driving experiences through 47 miles of pristine northern forest near Big Falls. The route winds past sparkling lakes, dense pine forests, and occasional views of wildlife that call this wilderness home. Travelers can enjoy numerous pull-offs and recreational opportunities along the way, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas.
14. Chippewa National Forest
ANCIENT FOREST EXPERIENCE
Chippewa National Forest encompasses over 666,000 acres of magnificent wilderness with some of the oldest trees in Minnesota, including old-growth red and white pine stands. Visitors can explore more than 1,300 lakes, 923 miles of streams, and extensive trails that wind through diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife. The forest's rich cultural history includes significant Native American heritage sites that add depth to the natural experience.
15. International Wolf Center
WOLF EDUCATION HEADQUARTERS
The International Wolf Center provides a fascinating educational experience focused on wolves and their critical role in the ecosystem. Visitors can observe the resident wolf pack through large viewing windows while learning about wolf behavior, biology, and conservation efforts. Interactive exhibits, programs, and occasional howling sessions create memorable encounters with these magnificent creatures that once roamed abundantly throughout the Big Falls region.