Big Shoal Greenway

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Big Shoal Greenway is a scenic nature trail located in the state of Minnesota that offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the region's natural beauty.


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Summary

Some good reasons to visit the area include its stunning views, diverse plant and animal life, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

There are several points of interest to see along the trail, including numerous wildlife viewing areas, a fishing pier, and interpretive signs that provide information about the area's unique natural features. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing along the trail.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it is home to a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles and great blue herons, and that it was once used as a fur trading route by Native American tribes. Additionally, the area is a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species available to catch.

The best time of year to visit the Big Shoal Greenway depends on your interests and what you hope to see. Spring and summer are great times to view wildflowers and migratory birds, while fall offers stunning foliage colors. Winter can be a great time for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but the trail may be less accessible due to snow and ice.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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