Information on Star Island Trail

Trail Description:

Located in the middle of Cass Lake, Star Island is one of the unique features of the Chippewa National Forest. Named for its star shape, �Star Island� is the largest of four islands in Cass Lake. Cass Lake covers 15,596 acres in northern Minnesota and is one of eight lakes of the Cass Lake chain.

Star Island has over eight miles of shoreline and encompasses 980 acres of both public land and private homes. Please respect private property boundaries. The Chippewa National Forest manages more than three-fourths of the island for public, scenic and recreational use.

Visitors to Star Island seldom realize they have just spent time in one of the most historical areas on the Forest. Star Island is part of the Chippewa National Forest�s �Ten Section Area� , one of the earliest designated portions of the national forest. Its old growth trees make it a favorite with bald eagles. Star Island is also one of ten Unique Areas of Chippewa National Forest, designated for its prehistoric and historic Indian occupation. The earliest residents of Star Island are believed to be the Woodland people about 1,500 years ago. Land was first made available for summer cabin development in 1909. Decades ago, northern Minnesota was advertised as a �curative place� for asthma and other ailments and was considered a great place for escaping summer heat.

Hiking the Star Island Trail:

Six miles of trails wind along the high banks and deep woods of the island, providing good opportunities for hiking and nature study. Star Island Campground is located on the southwest shore of the island. Campers must provide their own water and pack out any refuse. Lake Windigo, sitting inside Star Island, is the only lake within a lake in the northern hemisphere. Lake Windigo�s special location earned it a notation with the folks at �Ripley�s Believe It or Not�. Windigo covers 199 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet and receives accolades from everyone who has visited its shores. Three public portages lead to Lake Windigo.

Boat or over-the-ice access only.

Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Star Island Trail
Location of the Star Island Trail: 2 miles east of Cass Lake on Star Island�
Length of Trail: 5 - 10 miles

Travel Information
Trailhead Directions:

Access to Star Island is by boat or canoe. The US Highway 2 Wayside Rest east of the city of Cass Lake provides ample parking and drive-down boat access. Boat rentals are available from some local businesses.

For more information on this hike
National Forest: Chippewa National Forest
Address:
200 Ash Avenue NW
Cass Lake, MN, 56633
218-335-8600
218-335-8632

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