Golden Anniversary State Forest

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Golden Anniversary State Forest is a natural haven located in the state of Minnesota.


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Summary

This forest is a beautiful spot for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for adventure and relaxation. It offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.

One of the main reasons to visit Golden Anniversary State Forest is its breathtaking scenery. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, eagles, and elk. There are also a number of lakes and rivers where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming.

There are several points of interest in Golden Anniversary State Forest, including the Big Bog State Recreation Area, which is home to the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states. Visitors can explore the bog on a boardwalk and learn about the unique plants and animals that call it home. The forest also has several hiking trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail, which spans over 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota.

Interesting facts about the forest include that it was designated as a state forest in 2005 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The forest covers over 2,800 acres and is located in Beltrami County, in northern Minnesota.

The best time of year to visit Golden Anniversary State Forest is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, fall is also a popular time to visit, as the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

In conclusion, Golden Anniversary State Forest is a natural gem that offers a variety of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. Whether you're a hiker, camper, or angler, this forest is sure to provide a memorable experience.

       

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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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