Deana Skov
218-631-7604
PARKS SUPERVISOR/MAINTENANCE:
Glenn Motzko
CAMPING FEES:
$12.00 per site/per night
(site includes fire pit and picnic table)
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE!
Campsites in the County Parks are strictly on a first come, first serve basis. The only exception is at "Old Wadena" park which can be reserved if enough notice is given. Information on reserving "Old Wadena" can be obtained from the Parks Department at the number listed.
All of the camping areas in the Wadena County Parks system have drinking water and outdoor toilet facilities (toilet paper is not provided), and slab wood for campfires is also made available by the County.
ABOUT OUR PARKS:
The Chippewa Indians gave the river its name, they called it "Kagiwegwon", which means Raven's Wing. It is miles and miles of beautiful and accessible wilderness that awaits your pleasure. With fish of every variety, sandy beaches for swimming fun, and wildlife a plenty, your vacation time in this beautiful country will be long remembered with pleasure by your entire family. The Crow Wing also carries much Minnesota and Indian history.
The Crow Wing canoe trail is varied and interesting. You don't need a guide and there are no charging rapids or windswept areas. The average current is 4 mph, so an average canoeist will travel 20 to 30 miles a day. You may start or end your trip where you choose and you're never too far from settled areas. If you wish to travel the entire organized trail, we suggest that you start at the bridge at the outlet of Blueberry Lake. All campsites have road access so in case of emergency, help is never very far away.
TREE FARM LANDING:
A 20 acre picnic and camping area formerly a part of the surrounding 2000 acre Northwest Paper Company tree farm. This tree farm is managed for the production of perpetual crops of pulpwood and is open to the public for recreational pursuits. From here it is 14 miles to Anderson's Crossing, the next campsite in the County Parks system.
ANDERSON'S CROSSING:
A pioneer settler homesteaded near this Indian crossing. Beginning at this campsite are the Butterfield Rapids which are not hazardous. From here it is 7 miles to Frame's Landing, the next campsite on the County Parks system.
STIGMAN'S MOUND:
This County-owned park is a picnic area at the Nimrod bridge. The little park was established by the Nimrod Grange, and is named for the Major League pitcher, Dick Stigman, whose hometown is Nimrod. Within sight of the picnic grounds is a grocery store, gas station, and tavern. This is the only park in the County Parks system that does not provide overnight camping or water; however, a covered shelter is available.
FRAMES' LANDING:
Down river 1 mile from Nimrod is the 14 acre campsite named for one of Nimrod's first citizens. A CCC camp was operated here in the early 1940's. From here it is 7 miles to Little White Dog, the next campsite on the County Parks system (Indian Mounds are enroute).
LITTLE WHITE DOG:
At this Indian lookout point, you have a beautiful view of the river. The high banks above this site were used for Indian gatherings and ceremonies. Here sacrificial animals were killed honoring the Indian deities. From here it is 7 miles to Knob Hill, the next campsite on the County Parks system. (Some rapids en-route)
KNOB HILL:
The campsite is set on a picturesque jackpine flat. A lesser used camping location, Knob Hill offers peace and quiet. From here it is 3 miles to Cottingham, the next campsite on the County Parks system
COTTINGHAM:
This County park is a popular picnicking and swimming spot. You can also enjoy a nature hike on the trail leading south from the park. From here it is 7 miles to Bullard's Bluff, the next campsite on the County Parks system
BULLARD'S BLUFF:
This area was called Hog Haven in early Wadena County history because of the wild hogs running free. From here it is 5 miles to Old Wadena, the next campsite on the County Parks system
OLD WADENA:
Between the mouths of the Leaf and Partridge rivers you will find this history filled campsite. In 1783, the fur traders built the Crow Wing's first trading post on the little round hill. The Chippewa word "Wadena" means "little round hill", thus the name. A great battle was fought here between the voyagers and the Sioux over the prized hunting ground; and, while history records that the voyagers won this battle, it is noted that it was 9 years before the traders returned to the Crow Wing River country. This is also the first townsite for the City of Wadena. From here it is 2 miles to McGivern, the next campsite on the County Parks system
MCGIVERN:
McGivern Park is the last County owned park on the Crow Wing River Canoe trail. This park is unique in that it hosts a rifle range on it's 40 acres which is operated by the Staples Sportsman's Club