Where to See Moose: Moosin’ Spots in Northern Minnesota
Moosin’ Around Minnesota
Moose are quite the incredible creatures, coming in as the tallest and second-largest land animal of North America. Naturally, seeing these humongous creatures is a lifetime memory on its own; no wonder that Minnesotans have a concept for driving around looking for moose – Moosin’. But having a successful Moosin’ trip is much easier said than done.
To find a moose, you need to be in the right place with the right conditions and a little luck to have the stars align. This all just contributes towards the allure of seeing a moose mozying about. Below, we’ll dive into the best places around Northern Minnesota to see a moose as well as what conditions maximize your chances of successful Moosin’.
Places to See Moose in Northern Minnesota
Not all places are created equal for the possibility of seeing a moose. Here are some of the very best locations around Northern Minnesota for Moosin’:
Crane Lake
Sitting in central Northern Minnesota, Crane Lake provides a great opportunity for a chance encounter with a moose. With dense, healthy forests and wetlands surrounding the lake and a plethora of hiking trails and kayakable water, there is tons of prime-moose habitat to catch a sighting in.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
This large span of connected waterways at the top of Minnesota provides incredible habitat for these large creatures. With tons of hiking trails and rivers to kayak, there are plenty of chances to have a breath-taking moose sighting.
Superior National Forest
Similarly, the dense trees of Superior National Forest also house a number of moose individuals. The dense forests along with the ample bodies of water create the perfect habitat for moose to thrive while the hiking trails of the National Forest give you a great chance to see them.
Highway 1
Running across the top of the state from Silver Bay towards Ely, this highway provides a long drive through prime moose habitat. Along Superior National Forest, Highway 1 is a great way to drive along habitat, covering a greater distance. Just be sure not to accidentally drive by one of these incredible creatures.
Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway
The Gunflint Trail is a scenic byway that spans 57 miles long of paved road from the shore of Lake Superior out to the Canadian Border in the center of Minnesota. This trial has some of the very best wildlife sightings across Northern Minnesota from a car. With such a long trail available, chances are always high to see something cool.
Arrowhead State Trail
The Arrowhead State Trail is another great trail option to see moose within Northern Minnesota. This trail is popular during the winter for snowmobiling, but warmer months create great opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and see some incredible moose wandering through the forests. In the low-lands, this trail can get quite wet, which tends to be more inviting for moose anyways.
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
Ideal Conditions for Moosin’
Having the proper conditions to see a moose is also an important part of the equation when you’re out moosin’. Being on a popular trail may not be enough on its own; here are some conditions to focus on:
Dusk and Dawn
Moose are crepuscular animals, which means that they are most active at dusk and dawn in low-light conditions. More active means these animals are walking around, looking for food, and are much easier to spot than when they lie low for the heat of the day or during the peak darkness of night.
Near Bogs/Swamps
Moose are big fans of the lowland swamps that cover much of Northern Minnesota. The water provides a way for these animals to stay cool while providing a diverse menu of aquatic plants to eat, which are the moose’s favorite.
Late Spring/Early Summer
Moose tend to be easier to spot during the late spring/early summer months. Especially if there is still a small bit of snow on the ground and the forests have not fully grown in, the sight-lines through the forest might be perfect to catch a moose. Plus, coming out of winter with warmer temperatures, moose tend to get more active around this time in the search for food and other nutrients.
See Some Moose Around Crane Lake
Northern Minnesota is home to over an estimated 5,000 moose, making it a great place to visit for a chance to see one of these huge animals. In the right conditions, in the right place, seeing one of these beasts is very possible. For the ultimate home base to go Moosin’ out of, look no further than Crane Lake. With access to a huge swath of trails, highways, and waterways to explore, the chances to see a moose have never been so high. With proper planning to get yourself in prime moosin’ conditions, make your moose dream a reality. Call or go online today to secure your spot at Crane Lake and perhaps get a once-in-a-lifetime moose sighting!
