Superior National Forest Wildlife Guide

Superior National Forest spans over 3.9 million acres. It’s home to more than 155 bird species and dozens of iconic mammals just waiting to be discovered. 

Our local rangers, wildlife biologists, and longtime residents have helped us identify the best wildlife watching hotspots. 

Ready to see what makes the Iron Range such an amazing place for wildlife? Let’s dive in!

The Big Mammals of Superior National Forest

Northern Minnesota is home to some truly unique animals. Gray wolves and moose top the must-see list, and spotting them is an experience you’ll never forget!

Approximately 3,000-4,000 moose roam the boreal forest. Your chances of spotting them are best during early morning or dusk near lakes and streams. Spring (April-May) is fantastic for moose watching as they feed on aquatic plants in wetland areas. Fall brings the exciting rutting season (September-October) when bull moose become more active.

Black bears are another exciting sight throughout Superior National Forest. You’ll often spot them in berry-rich areas from mid-summer through fall. The recovering forests and old mining areas in the Iron Range provide excellent bear habitat, with berry patches along trail corridors.

Wolf packs thrive throughout the boundaries of the forest. Seeing a gray wolf is rare and special! Your best chance comes in winter when their tracks are visible in fresh snow. 

Canada lynx also make their home within the forest, though they’re even more elusive than wolves. 

Bird Watching 

Superior National Forest attracts birders from all around the world, meaning you can see species here that rarely occur together elsewhere.

Skibo Vista in the Iron Range is an excellent location for watching migrating raptors. This elevated viewpoint provides opportunities to spot hawks and owls during their spring and fall migrations, as the birds ride the thermals along the ridgelines.

Winter brings Great Gray Owls gliding past in the twilight – an absolutely breathtaking sight! Bald eagles soar above the lakes and streams, with many active nest sites throughout the forest. Species of birds unique to the boreal forest, like Boreal Chickadees and Black-backed Woodpeckers, draw serious birders to various locations throughout the forest.

Don’t miss hearing loons call across a misty lake! It’s the quintessential northwoods experience. These iconic birds can be found on many lakes from April through October, including Bird Lake in the Iron Range area where a new trail system provides excellent access.

Ruffed grouse, Minnesota’s most popular game bird, thrive in areas where aspen is prevalent. The forest’s habitat management creates a mosaic of variable-aged aspen stands that provide perfect feeding and cover for these birds.

Smaller Wildlife and Fishing

While moose and wolves get all the attention, don’t overlook the smaller wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities! Walleye, lake trout, and northern pike draw anglers to the cold water streams and lakes within Superior National Forest.

The waters of Lake Superior influence weather patterns throughout the forest, creating diverse habitats for fish species such as walleye and smallmouth bass. Beaver activity shapes much of the forest’s wetland habitat. These “ecosystem engineers” create environments that benefit countless other species of invertebrates, plants and animals.

Fox sightings are becoming more common along multi-use trails throughout the forest, where the mix of open areas and forest edge provides ideal hunting grounds for these adaptable predators..

Wildlife Viewing Locations to Explore

#1 Bird Lake Trail – This newly opened 12-mile multi-use trail and cross-country ski trail in the Iron Range area offers year-round wildlife watching opportunities. The trail meanders through black spruce bogs and hills of aspen and birch, with an Adirondack shelter on Lillian Lake and picnic site at Bird Lake. Perfect for spotting deer, fox, and various bird species. Access via County Highway 110 from Hoyt Lakes.

#2 Skibo Vista – Located in the Iron Range, this elevated viewpoint has become a premier location for observing migrating raptors, including hawks and owls during spring and fall migrations..

#3 St. Louis River Trail – This 5.5-mile hunter/hiking trail east of Hoyt Lakes was built in cooperation with the Ruffed Grouse Society and showcases excellent ruffed grouse habitat management. The trail features variable-aged aspen stands and diverse terrain perfect for spotting Minnesota’s signature game bird and other wildlife. Access via County Highway 110 east from Hoyt Lakes.

#4 Darwin S. Myers Wildlife Management Area – This 748-acre area near Embarrass is perfectly positioned for Superior National Forest wildlife adventures. Accessible via the Mesabi Trail, this reclaimed mining area provides habitat for moose, deer, waterfowl, and spruce grouse. 

When to Visit Superior National Forest

Spring (April-June) brings the northwoods back to life! Migratory birds return daily, bears emerge from hibernation, and moose become more visible near warm water streams. This is perfect timing for exploring both the wilderness areas and the more accessible Iron Range locations.

Summer (June-August) means peak recreation opportunities. Bird families are everywhere, berry season attracts bears, and the lakes are perfect for canoe trips focused on wildlife watching.

Fall (September-November) might be the absolute best time for wildlife viewing in northern Minnesota. The brilliant fall foliage provides stunning backdrops for wildlife photography, and locations like Skibo Vista become prime raptor-watching spots.

Winter (December-March) transforms the landscape. Wolf and lynx tracks appear in fresh snow, Great Gray Owls hunt during daylight hours, and wildlife stands out against the white landscape

Whether you’re hoping to spot a moose in the deep wilderness, watch eagles soar above Minnesota’s forested landscape, or discover the unique wildlife opportunities in the Iron Range’s recovering mining areas, Superior National Forest wildlife experiences will leave you with lasting memories.

Each season brings new opportunities to connect with Minnesota’s wild heart. Come explore with us!