Scenic Campground

The Great Outdoors

While you're camping at the Scenic campgrounds, spend some time exploring Scenic State Park. The park is filled with old-growth forests, multiple lakes and waterways, and lots to explore in between. You can access the wilderness here thanks to the massive network of trails that wind through the park. You can also rent a canoe or kayak in the park and paddle through the many waterways and lakes within the park. You can still enjoy the park in the winter too. With snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities throughout the park, you can still explore this winter wonderland.Those who enjoy spending time on the water can take a trip to the Kabetogama State Forest near Cook. This state forest is home to such an expansive system of waterways that the preferred method of travel is often canoe or kayak. You can rent watercraft at the park or nearby. In the winter, nature and hiking paths become trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. You can also try your hand at ice fishing for an authentic Midwestern experience.Angler will find a haven at Buena Vista State Forest near Bemidji, Minnesota, a 90-minute drive from the campsites at Scenic State Park. With five large lakes and many smaller bodies of water, at Buena Vista, you can try your luck at hooking some of the resident fish. Or instead, you can enjoy the expansive network of trails and feel connected not only to the natural beauty around you but also to the world in a broader sense. Humans have been known to explore the land in this area for over 1,000 years. Archaeologists have found artifacts all over the forest; there’s a deep sense of history here.

Explore the City

Those looking to learn a little bit about local history can head to the Joyce Estate on the shores of Trout Lake. The estate had 40 buildings built by the Joyce family. It was their retreat from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. While the family continued to use the estate until 1972, it isn’t difficult to imagine the excitement of the Roaring '20s as you wander around the grounds.There’s no place like home, and you’ll truly experience this sensation as you visit the Judy Garland Museum located near Grand Rapids. You can learn all about this star’s life, view The Wizard of Oz mementos, and enjoy the nearby Children’s Museum, which partners with the Judy Garland Museum. The museum also hosts several festivals in the summer, celebrating Judy Garland as well as some of her masterpieces.Lovers of history can head to Hibbing to the Minnesota Museum of Mining to learn all about the history of this industry in the state. You can climb into the historic machinery used in the mines, climb up into steam locomotive cars, and even tour a mine replica. There is also a replica of a mining town recreated as a museum exhibit.When it comes time restock and fuel up the Bigfork motorhome rental, you can find a few options for grocery stores and gas stations spread out around the area.At the end of your day, treat yourself to a truly wild and local delicacy: Minnesota trout. With several varieties of trout found within the waterways of Minnesota, you can either catch it yourself or find a local eatery.