HIKERS AND NATURE LOVERS are drawn to Minnesota's beautiful state parks as they are eager to explore these vast and well-maintained environments. Many are familiar with the state parks managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), especially those along the North Shore. However, fewer know about the equally captivating, but overlooked, Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs), passing them by on road trips to visit the more famous state parks.
What is an SNA?
According to the MNDNR, they are "exceptional places where native plants and animals flourish; where rare species are protected; and where we can know, and study, Minnesota's fascinating natural features." These places are essentially sanctuaries where natural features hold "exceptional scientific or educational value" concerning native plants, rare species, and even geological formations are preserved.
Can I Visit an SNA?
Absolutely!
Scientific and Natural Areas are public lands open to types of recreation that honor the integrity of natural conditions, such as nature photography, birdwatching, hiking, and forest bathing—a growing trend involving the practice of immersing oneself in the calming atmosphere of the forest or natural landscape. However, it's important to remember that these areas are set aside for conservation and research, so activities like camping, mountain biking, and off-leash pets are generally not allowed to ensure minimal disruption to the environment.
Please check the MNDR's website to review all rules and times when visitation is allowed (some are closed seasonally).
Scientific and Natural Areas Near Odyssey Resorts
In late 2023, Odyssey Resorts adopted a stretch of highway near Cut Face Creek (Mile Marker 102) on Highway 61 as one makes a road trip toward Grand Marais. This adoption was part of Odyssey Resorts' Sustainability from the Heart Initiative.
This year, we launched our first clean-up effort to maintain this stretch of highway, leading to 9 of our team members collecting 25 bags of trash and debris. During this effort, we learned that we selected a bit of highway that was right up against the Butterwort Cliffs SNA.
The Butterwort Cliffs SNA is known for its dramatic cliffs that rise majestically above the majestic Lake Superior shoreline. It's home to the rare butterwort plant, which thrives in the moist, rocky crevices. Butterwort Cliffs offers breathtaking views and provides a nesting habitat for Peregrine Falcons as well as a Herring Gull colony. This area is closed from April 1st to July 15th to protect the nesting area.
The North Shore and surrounding areas near Odyssey Resorts are home to several notable SNAs that offer a chance to appreciate nature conservation:
Lutsen SNA
Close to the Mountain Inn at Lutsen, this SNA provides a tranquil refuge with its diverse plant life and scenic beauty. Ancient trees and undisturbed woodland create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a reflective walk or peaceful contemplation for forest bathing.
Sugarloaf Point SNA
A 15-minute drive away from Lutsen Sea Villas, this popular SNA is a perfect spot for birdwatching and savoring the rugged shoreline as a trail winds back towards the shoreline; leading to an isolated cove. Sugarloaf Point's geological formations and juxtaposition of land and water offer stunning landscapes for photographers.
Read more about hiking at Sugarloaf Cove.
Iona's Beach SNA
Famous for its pink rhyolite pebbles and lakeshore, Iona's Beach is arguably the most famous of the SNAs on the North Shore. The sound of the waves rolling over the smooth stones can create a meditative ambiance and a place to connect with the natural world. Iona's Beach is a short 5-minute drive away from Grand Superior Lodge.
Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA
Located at the easternmost tip of Park Point in Duluth, this SNA features a rare sandy beach along the Minnesota side of Lake Superior and is home to a variety of bird species and is a critical stop for migratory birds. It's part of one of the longest freshwater sand spits in the world. It sports an old-growth pine forest, which provides a special environment for both flora and fauna, as well as a strikingly beautiful place for a walk. Take a short road trip from Beacon Pointe across the Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park and make your way to this SNA.
Mille Lacs Moraine SNA
Situated near the Brainerd Lakes area, this SNA showcases the remnants of the most recent glacial period, "when an advancing glacier stalled, then retreated, depositing rock and debris as a moraine along its melting edge." With a dramatic elevation change and different environments that include low-lying wetlands and forests that include red oak and sugar maple, Mille Lacs Moraine is a quiet alternative for those looking to do some solitary leaf-peeping in the fall for those staying at Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort.
Why Visit SNAs?
Visiting SNAs offers an opportunity to connect deeply with nature in some of the most respected parts of nature and scientifically valuable landscapes in Minnesota. Whether you're a budding naturalist, a seasoned hiker who wants to tread respectfully, or simply seeking a less crowded place to unwind, these areas provide a sanctuary for both wildlife and humans.
Next time you stay at one of our resorts, consider visiting the nearby SNAs to enrich your understanding of Minnesota's natural heritage and endangered wildlife. By respecting and preserving these special places, you can contribute to their ongoing conservation and honor the delicate balance of the natural world.
