Local Area Recreation Near Bemidji KOA Journey

Big Bog State Recreation Area

Big Bog State Recreation Area

500 square mile peat bog in the Northern unit has a 1 mile boardwalk in the bog!  (2 mile round trip).  Look for orchids, carnivorious plants, birds.  Benches, bring water and binoculars.  
Southern unit has the Visitor Center, and Fire Tower (maps available).

55716 Hwy 72 NE

Waskish, MN 56685

Website

Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park

MInnesotas oldest state park. Mississippi River headwaters.  Multiple hiking trails throughout the park.  Multiple biking trails throughout the park, including the 10 mile Wilderness Drive Loop (shared with automobiles).  Aiton Heights Fire Tower, Old Timers Cabin also a must see.

Website

Birding near Bemidji MInnesota

Birding near Bemidji MInnesota

Various locations as listed from National Audobon society - link below (national audubon siciety Minnesota Bird Trails) links to 3 online Minnesota trail guides.  
Local favorites: Lake Bemidji State Park 
                         Big Turtle Lake (search Turtle Lake Boat Landing)
                         Around Lake Bemidji (from the Bemidji Visitor Center) following the Blue Ox Trail (Voyageur Trail)

Website

Lady Slipper Scenic Byway

Lady Slipper Scenic Byway

Showy Lady's Slipper, Minnesotas State Flower
Typical bloom time mid June to mid July, with peak bloom 3rd week of June.
Google map Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Interpretive and Rest Area for safe parking, benches, accessible boardwalk.

Scenic Hwy NE

Blackduck, MN 56630

Trolls in Detroit Lakes

Trolls in Detroit Lakes

Alexa's Elixir, or the first of the 6 Trolls in Detroit Lakes MN.  A fun scavenger hunt that is possible to complete in a day.  Requires some driving, mild to moderate hiking so bring good shoes, water, sunscreen! 
Alexa is located in Detroit Lakes City Park, 1355 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN.
A good link for the Detroit Lakes Trolls: https://project412mn.org/trolls-dl/

1355 Washington Ave

Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Website