Minnesota has many peaceful places to hike. In every region of the state, there’s a trail that leads through a nature area to a lovely scene. Northern Minnesota is no different. There are many trails along the North Shore, but today we’d like to venture a bit farther west, to the area around Itasca State Park. Here, you’ll find a little-known Minnesota SNA home to an old-growth forest that visitors can explore. Read on below to learn more about this quiet spot:

Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA is a little-known scientific and natural area in northern Minnesota. It’s within Itasca State Park, covering 1,601 acres along Lake Itasca.
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The SNA protects undeveloped shoreline along Lake Itasca. Here, you can find many different types of plants and animals. It's a beautiful place to find species that are not common elsewhere in Minnesota.
David Silman/Google
The Bohall Wilderness Trail passes through the SNA. It leads visitors through a beautiful, untouched forest that contains old-growth trees.
Bonnie Wiltse/Google

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There are 848 acres of old-growth forest in the SNA. They are spread out over 16 stands. Among the oldest are a 190-year-old stand of red pines and a 200-year-old white pines.
James the Greatest Parker/Google
That means the trees here are older than the state of Minnesota! It's one of the few places in the state to see old-growth forest, as many forests have been lost due to logging.
Tony Webster/Google
Between the old-growth forest and the peaceful trail, you'll be happy you visited Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA. It's a perfectly peaceful place to wander throughout the seasons, especially if you love nature. It is also an Audubon Important Bird Area!
James Horner/Google
Next time you visit Itasca State Park, be sure to save some time to visit the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA. There are not many places like this peaceful old-growth forest left in Minnesota!
ken neeld/Google

Have you ever been to the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA? Have you visited any other Minnesota SNAs? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re interested in other SNAs, check out our past articles on Morton Outcrops SNA and Butterwort Cliffs SNA.

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Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), Wilderness Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA