Where to Find Minnesota's 'Last True Wilderness'

Hop in the car, it's time for a road trip! There's a spot in Minnesota that's a bit out of the way, but it's one of the coolest places in the state. It's also called the 'last true wilderness' in Minnesota.

It's a very unique place and is the largest of its kind in the lower 48 states.

ALSO READ: Why SE Minnesota is One of the Strangest Areas of Our State

What Are Peat Bogs?

The type of environment we're talking about is called peat bogs, or peatlands.

K B, Unsplash

Peat bogs are interesting ecosystems. WWT out of the UK writes,

Peat bogs are dense wetlands filled with partially decayed vegetation. The waterlogged conditions and the bog’s acidity prevents the vegetation from fully decaying when it dies. Instead, it builds up very slowly over thousands of years to become peat.

Peat bogs are found in "cold, temperate climates, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere."

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The state that has the largest peat bog is Alaska. It's difficult to find exact measurements of the peat bogs. However, an article from the Forest Service says that Alaska makes up 56% of all peatlands in the US.

But Minnesota can claim the title for the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states!

Big Bog State Recreation Area is Minnesota's 'Last True Wilderness'

Minnesota's peat bog is part of the Big Bog State Recreation Area. It's kind of up in the middle of nowhere in far north central Minnesota.

Google Maps

But if you're able to get there, do it. It's very cool! I've been able to go once.

Big Bog is a 500-square-mile peat bog that includes a mile-long boardwalk that "enables visitors to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource."

Jacob Boomsma, Getty Images

Plants and animals you see in peat bogs aren't creatures you'd necessarily see anywhere else; it's very unique. To me, that would be why the Minnesota DNR has calls it the 'last true wilderness' in Minnesota.

There is camping available at Big Bog if you want to take the trip. That way you don't have to worry about the long drive home.