Chippewa National Forest

FUN ON THE FOREST

Not the least of the Chippewa's services is providing recreation. More people come each summer to the pine-scented fragrance of this forest. They come to hunt and fish, to swim and canoe, to cook and camp far from the dust and confusion of the cities.

Twenty-three camp and picnic grounds are scattered through the forest for the use of these visitors. Campgrounds offer tent sites, tables, parking space, fireplaces, and sanitary facilities. Picnic grounds, in addition, have shelters, bathhouses, and beaches. More conventional accommodations are offered in 360 resorts in and near the forest.

Many of the special use permits on the Chippewa are issued for the promotion of recreation. More than 150 summer-home permits are in effect, as well as permits for resorts, dockage sites, and commercially run camps for boys and girls.

More than 150 summer homes have been built under permit within the Chippewa. F—372609

Visiting in front of a dormitory cabin in Ruby Lake Organization Camp. Three separate units of dormitory cabins accommodate "mixed" groups. F—401124

Chief Little White Cloud, a Chippewa Indian, in front of his birch bark tepee on Star Island, Cass Lake. F—401133

The Forest Service Organization Camp at Ruby Lake in the Marcel District is available for rent to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4—H Clubs, and other organized groups. It is booked for the season by the end of April.

Visitors mean income to local people from food, lodging, souvenirs, rental of boats, and various other services.

The Chippewa has been a mecca for summer vacationists since 1910. In 1938 the Shingobee Winter Sports Area at Walker was built by the Forest Service to supply an increasing demand for winter sports facilities. Shingobee's possibilities for tobogganing, skiing, and snowshoeing attract people to the northland in what would otherwise be an off-season for tourists.

Three railroads serve numerous points in and near the forest. Bus lines maintain daily schedules from Duluth and Minneapolis. United States Highways Nos. 2 and 371 traverse the Chippewa, and State Routes 34, 6, 46, and 38 afford easy access to all parts of it. In addition, more than 600 miles of Forest Service trails branch out from this network to provide scenic drives and hikes.

All kinds of watercraft ply the Chippewa's numerous lakes—rowboats, canoes, motorboats, and sailboats. F—401110

Entrance to Shingobee Winter Sports Area, 5 miles southwest of Walker on State Route 34. F—392454