Come to this north-country wilderness park where
waterfalls cascade through a volcanic canyon surrounded by majestic forest. The
trails in the park are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and
northern hardwoods. Although the trails are steep and challenging for hikers and
backpackers, they offer spectacular views. Secluded campsites are for
backpackers only. Trout (brown, rainbow, and brook) and splake (a hybrid of
brook and lake trout) reside in Benson Lake. Watch for moose, deer, bear, and
wolves.Quick stats:
6,682 acres
26,463 annual visits
Naturalist:
There is no naturalist on staff at this park.
Wildlife
This is a rugged, wilderness park where bears, wolves, moose and deer share
the trails with hikers. The park has many different birds and small animals like
snowshoe hare, red squirrels, Canadian jays, sharp-shinned hawks and beaver. Two
large birds that hikers often see feeding along the trail are the ruffed and
spruce grouse.
History
The park was a donation from George H. Crosby, a mining magnate who had been
involved in the development of both the Mesabi and Cuyuna iron ranges. The state
eagerly accepted the gift of this 3,320-acre tract on the Manitou River and
formally established it as a state park in 1955. From the beginning, the
decision was made to limit development of this park. Instead of the customary
campground, the park has primitive campsites scattered through the park,
accessible only by foot trail. George Crosby Manitou State Park was the first
park in the system to be designed primarily for backpackers and remains a
backpack-only park.
Geology
Volcanoes spewed fiery lava which cooled and built up in thick layers along
the shore. Later, when glaciers moved down from the north, they scraped and
dislodged the rock. As the melting glacier retreated, they left piles of rock
and soil again changing the shape of the park. The last glacier left a large
meltwater lake behind the shoreline ridge which drained into Lake Superior. This
drainage route is now the Manitou River. Today, the rough, tumbling waters of
this river still work to change the course of the gorge through which it flows.
Landscape
The park has a wilderness of fir, cedar, spruce and northern hardwoods to
explore. The beautiful old-growth stands are protected as part of a Scientific
and Natural Area. Waterfalls and Benson Lake add to the enjoyment of visitors
who come to this park to get away from crowds.
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