Swimming Bear Watercraft Campsite

Splithand Township, Minnesota

About

This section of the Mississippi River is one of transition, from the wetlands and forests of the Chippewa National Forest, through the town of Grand Rapids, to the lowland hardwood forest of Aitkin County. Along the way you will pass hills that were once piles of glacial debris. The city of Grand Rapids lies at the center of these hills. South of Grand Rapids, the river enters an ancient glacial lake bed where it twists back and forth through the soft soil. Look for white and red pines, oaks, maples, birches and aspens that create a home for diverse wildlife. This portion of the Mississippi River is flat and slow moving, offering easy paddling with no major rapids. As you approach the town of Grand Rapids, you will need to watch for two dams about three river miles apart. One dam controls the level of Lake Pokegama and the other provides hydropower to the Blandin Paper Company. Both must be portaged. Make sure you know what side of the dam to portage. Changing seasons offer something new around every bend.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Tent Sites

Local Attractions

• Schoolcraft State Park
• Grand Rapids