George Crosby Manitou

Come to this north-country wilderness park where waterfalls cascade through a volcanic canyon surrounded by majestic forest. The trails in the park are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods. Although the trails are steep and challenging for hikers and backpackers, they offer spectacular views. Secluded campsites are for backpackers only. Trout (brown, rainbow, and brook) and splake (a hybrid of brook and lake trout) reside in Benson Lake. Watch for moose, deer, bear, and wolves.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Visitor Alert!

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and USDA Forest Service will treat this area to control the pest. A light, one-time application of pheromone flakes dropped by airplanes will occur.

It is expected that the pheromone flake treatment will likely end on July 23.

For more information, the 'Arrest the Pest' hotline (888-545-6684) will have an up-to-date spray schedule.

Watch for some beaver problems on the trail around Bensen Lake. Some minor flooding is possible as we trade off who has the upper hand. Present score: Beavers 10, Rangers 9!

Park Notes

Gypsy Moth Control Treatment

To control the spread of the European gypsy moth (an exotic, invasive moth that defoliates trees and, in large numbers, can reduce tree growth and lead to tree mortality), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and USDA Forest Service will treat the area around and including this park with a light, one-time aerial application of non-toxic pheromone flakes. The treatment will occur just one time between mid-July and mid-August. This treatment will not impact your visit and poses no harm to you, your pets or wildlife. The pheromone flakes will disrupt the mating behavior of the adult gypsy moth. No other species of moth or animal will be impacted.

Although the moth is not established in the state, high numbers of moths have been found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. If you have questions about the proposed treatment, please contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-MOTH (6684). Once the specific date for treatment has been determined, the information will be posted on this Web site.

Firewood restrictions information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site.
More information
Vendor List

Remember that at this facility, all garbage is pack-in pack-out. Take your garbage home with you for disposal. Please practice the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. Thank You.

Birders:Click Here for the Bird Checklist at George Crosby Manitou State Park.