Moose Lake City Park Campground

The Great Outdoors

ATVers should head southwest to the Solana State Forest, which features 48 miles of trails. There are also 43 miles of off-highway motorcycle trails to explore across the forest’s gently rolling hills and swampy areas, with just over half of the Solana State Forest being wetlands.Just to the north lies the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, an 18,000-acre tract of scenic forest, bog, and lake landscapes. It centers around the waters of Rice Lake, which has provided a habitat for the growth of wild rice for thousands of years and was traditionally harvested by Native Americans. It still attracts myriad waterfowl, including huge numbers of ring-necked ducks and has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area.Drive the Moose Lake motorhome rental in the other direction, and you’ll arrive at Jay Cooke State Park, which protects the lower reaches of the St. Louis River. It’s home to several rustic-style buildings that were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps while being traversed by the Rushing Rapids Parkway. The St. Louis River was once a vital link in connecting the Mississippi waterways with the Great Lakes. It was used by Native American canoeists and early European explorers. If you want to stretch your legs, there are more than 50 miles of hiking trails to access, including part of the long-distance North Country National Scenic Trail.If you’re particularly interested in the portage history of Minnesota, then head north to the Savanna Portage State Park. It sprawls across 16,000 acres and was established in 1961 to preserve a historic portage trail used by the indigenous people and early fur traders. Follow one of the picturesque hiking and cycling trails that access this heritage-listed natural area while keeping an eye out for moose, black bears, and wood turtles. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can cool off with a dip in one of the park’s swimming lakes after your trek.

Exploring the City

Moose Lake campers can pick up grocery supplies at the local supermarket or fill up their RV rental at one of the gas stations. There’s also a great selection of cafes, grills, and pizzerias in the city where you can enjoy a meal out. If you’re interested in the local history, stop in at the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Depot, which now houses a small museum detailing the massive 1918 Cloquet Fire. It was one of only a few buildings to survive the fire that destroyed homes and killed 453 people. Learn about how the fire started while browsing the museum displays and hear stories from some of the heroes who emerged from the tragedy.A 45-minute drive from campsites at the Moose Lake City Park Campground is the city of Duluth, which lies on the shores of Lake Superior. It boasts several cultural attractions that include the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the Great Lakes Aquarium, where both freshwater and saltwater species are exhibited. Stroll along the lakefront to witness the historic Aerial Lift Bridge raising and lowering or let the kids loose in the children’s playground, then see the replica of Erikson’s Viking ship that sailed from Norway to Duluth. The city is also the departure point for the 131-mile North Shore Scenic Drive, which accesses some of the charming towns and scenic landscapes that surround Lake Superior. Admire the 39-room Glensheen Congdon Estate and gaze up at the historic lighthouses that have guided ships along the coastline for decades.Whether you want to learn about the maritime history of Duluth or get active in the recreational parks of eastern Minnesota, book an RV in Carlton County and start planning your visit.