Though Minnesota has only been a state since 1858, people have lived here for much longer. There is evidence of there time here in every region, from Jeffers Petroglyphs in Comfrey to the Hegman Lake pictographs in northern Minnesota to Indian Mounds Regional Park in St. Paul. Today, we add yet another way to explore Minnesota’s ancient history. Take a trip to the remote Savanna Portage State Park to hike an ancient trail once used by Minnesota’s first people. Here’s what you need to know about the trail before you visit:
Savanna Portage Trail is a 6-mile trek through northern Minnesota. It begins in Savanna Portage State Park, about 70 miles west of Duluth.
Tony Webster/Flickr
The state park was created to preserve the trail. Well before Minnesota became a state, it was used by Native Americans for thousands of years to connect the Mississippi River and the St. Louis River along the way to Lake Superior.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Later, the trail became an important route for European fur traders. It connected many parts of Minnesota to Lake Superior by water.
Brett Whaely/Flickr
Today, the trail looks much the same as it did centuries ago. Surrounded by wilderness, it is easy to imagine what it must have felt like to make the portage so many years ago.
Jake Rennaker/Google
A boardwalk through the marshes is one of the only changes. When the portage was used by Native Americans and fur traders, there was none. This made the trek much more difficult than it is today.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Marshes aren’t the only thing you’ll see. Northern Minnesota’s beautiful forests will surround you. In the fall, you’ll be amazed by the colorful leaf canopy.
Sharon Somero/Flickr
Here and there, you’ll spot mushrooms, wildflowers, and even animals. Between ancient history and natural beauty, there is much to discover on Minnesota’s Savanna Portage Trail.
Chris Ott/AllTrails
Have you ever heard of the Savanna Portage Trail? What other historical sites in Minnesota do you enjoy? Let us know in the comments!
Tony Webster/Flickr
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Brett Whaely/Flickr
Jake Rennaker/Google
Sharon Somero/Flickr
Chris Ott/AllTrails
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Address: Savanna Portage State Park, 55626 Lake Pl, McGregor, MN 55760, USA
