National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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George H Crosby Manitou State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Nature of the Area
The park has a wilderness of fir, cedar, spruce and northern hardwoods to explore. The beautiful old-growth stands are protected as part of a Scientific and Natural Area. Waterfalls and Benson Lake add to the enjoyment of visitors who come to this park to get away from crowds.
Volcanoes spewed fiery lava which cooled and built up in thick layers along the shore. Later, when glaciers moved down from the north, they scraped and dislodged the rock. As the melting glacier retreated, they left piles of rock and soil again changing the shape of the park. The last glacier left a large meltwater lake behind the shoreline ridge which drained into Lake Superior. This drainage route is now the Manitou River. Today, the rough, tumbling waters of this river still work to change the course of the gorge through which it flows.
This is a rugged, wilderness park where bears, wolves, moose and deer share the trails with hikers. The park has many different birds and small animals like snowshoe hare, red squirrels, Canadian jays, sharp-shinned hawks and beaver. Two large birds that hikers often see feeding along the trail are the ruffed and spruce grouse.
History of the Area
More Info
George H Crosby Manitou State Park