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Let’s take the Bemidji Bog Walk in Lake Bemidji State Park. You will see a unique ecosystem surrounding Big Bog Lake within Lake Bemidji State Park. The Walk to Big Bog Lake lies over a boardwalk, so visitors don’t harm the ecosystem. Visitors are advised to remain on the boardwalk. Signs along the way point out several exotic species native to Minnesota. By the way, the DNR describes bogs as Minnesota’s last wilderness area. In addition, there are others throughout the state. (More on that another time.)
The Department of National Resources (DNR) monitors all bodies of water in Minnesota for species, plant, and water health. The Lake Bemidji Bog Walk in the Park is free of invasive species that are commonly revealed through testing. The DNR and Beltrami County Beltrami County Invasive Species Program continue to monitor.
Maps for the Lake Bemidji Bog Walk
The map on the left shows the entire park and the hiking trails throughout. The map on the right provides a closer view. The bog walk veers to the right after crossing Birchmont Beach Road. Of course, the map shows more hiking trails on that side of the road. Here’s to your good hiking! While there are other facilities, the bog walk and other hiking trails are featured. You’ll also see the campground on the map.
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However, the park also features camping, swimming, picnic areas, a boat launch area, and a park office & visitor center with a 200-gallon aquarium. These amenities make it a family friendly place. While it’s not Itasca Park, it’s still a great park to stay close to Bemidji. Of course, Bemidji remains a well-known “Minnesota Lake Town.”
Let’s get started with the Lake Bemidji Bog Walk & Trail
By the way, the Park Service marks plants and other natural resources along the path. Additionally, here’s a link back to the “main” post about the Headwaters Area.
The trail to the lake runs for 1/2 mile. However, the boardwalk runs for the last 1,200 feet through the bog and to Big Bog Lake. Of course, there must be a lake. After all, it’s Minnesota! As you walk along, you will see a bog ecosystem. However, before we get too far, here’s the link to the DNR site for Lake Bemidji State Park. Of course, that’s just in case you want to know more. But don’t leave me yet! (By the way, you may refer to the land as either a wetland or a marsh.)
The top left sign presents the impact of climate change on Minnesota. Interestingly, a key point discusses the impact bogs present in the world. However, scientists don’t yet have the data to project how bog futures will happen. If they survive, they may help reduce the impacts of climate change. On the other hand, if they don’t survive, the rotting of the bog material may accelerate climate change.
The top right sign covers insect-eating plants. Due to the poor soil quality in the bog, some plants adapted the ability to consume insects to add to their intake of life-giving food. The unique design of Pitcher Plants and Sundews attract and trap insects. By the way, you’ll likely find a lot of bugs on the trail, but I didn’t encounter one mosquito!
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Want to continue with the Bemidji Bog Walk?
The lower left sign merely shows plants in the area. Several of these signs stand along the way to present the fact that many plants live in the bog.
Finally, on the lower right, the sign shows the types of ferns found here. Ferns live worldwide in climates from cold to temperate to tropical. Scientists estimate there are more than 12,000 species of ferns in the world, from miniature to towering tree ferns!
By the way, do you realize how hard it is for a blogger to write about bogs??? Of course, half the time, “bog” comes out of my fingers as “blog!”
Bemidji Bog Walk signs about plants
While you enjoy your walk along the Boardwalk, you’ll see many signs either identifying or giving details about plants found in the bog. However, some of them just identify the specific plant, while others give more details. (I should have included a picture of the lady slippers, Minnesota’s state flower, but I didn’t find it.)
General comment and summary
Certainly, I hope you enjoy your visit to the bog and to the park in general. The boardwalk presents views like this throughout the walk. You’ll see lots of green and lots of water! Overall, it was an enjoyable walk. Actually, the entire park is a beautiful experience. (By the way, I’ve included a video from the walk.)
…and here’s the video…
Again, here’s a link back to the Headwaters Mississippi River & Bemidji. And “That’s all I have to say about that!” (Remember Forrest Gump?)
Classic Rock Recollection
“Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles
“Find me in my field of grass, Mother Nature’s son
Swaying daises sing a lazy song beneath the sun”
Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon
#blogwalk #lakebemidjistatepark #thedrivebytourist
