Summary
The forest covers an area of 25,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and bald eagles. There are many reasons to visit Pillsbury State Forest, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching.
One of the main attractions of Pillsbury State Forest is Lake Hiram, a popular spot for fishing and boating. The lake is stocked with walleye, northern pike, and bass, and there are several boat ramps and fishing piers throughout the area. Another point of interest is the Pillsbury Tower, a historic fire tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Visitors to Pillsbury State Forest can also enjoy hiking on one of the many trails in the area, including the Pine Lake Loop Trail and the Spider Lake Trail. The forest is also home to several primitive campsites and picnic areas, making it a great place for a day trip or overnight camping trip.
Interesting facts about Pillsbury State Forest include that it was established in 1924 and was named after businessman and philanthropist Charles A. Pillsbury. The forest is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is part of the larger Chippewa National Forest.
The best time of year to visit Pillsbury State Forest depends on the activity you have planned. Summer is a popular time for camping, fishing, and boating, while fall is a great time for hiking and hunting. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Pillsbury State Forest- Walter Stark Horse Camp
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Crow Wing State Park Campground
Crow Wing State Park
Lum City Park