If you enjoy camping and other activities, such as mountain biking, the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area is one of those places that you must visit. Located in Minnesota, just off the State Highway 210, the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area is one of the newest State Recreation Areas, and it has a lot to offer.
About The Cuyuna Country Recreation Area
Cuyuna features more than 70 miles of singletrack trail riding that extends over 800 acres. If you want world-class mountain biking, Cuyuna is the place to go! The singletrack dirt trails have a variety of designs to welcome riders of all levels.
If you want to hit the 70 miles of world-class mountain bike trails, the Miner’s Mountain Rally Center would be the place to go. If you’re more of a beginner mountain biker, the Cuyuna paved Lakes State Trail extends for 10+ miles and it’s an amazing ride.
Hiking is also very much encouraged, and the hike to Miner’s Mountain Overlook is just amazing, and it offers the most breathtaking views of the red rock landscape. Now, if what you want to do is camping, the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area offers some of great campgrounds and there are also three yurts available for overnight stays all year round.
The Cuyuna Country Recreation Area used to be an open-pit mining area, meaning mining pits and waste rock were left behind by mining companies over 30 years ago.
Most of the Cuyuna Range has been revitalized since then. It boasts of regenerated vegetation and beautiful lakes born out of mine pits that attract recreation and nature enthusiasts from around the country and the world.
The Cuyuna area offers over 25 miles of natural shoreline, and you can explore it by boat or canoe; you’re also allowed to fish for trout, bass, crappie, and sunfish on the trout lakes and water activities such as kayaking and scuba diving is the most popular.
Popular Mountain Biking Trails
Miner's Mountain Trail The Miner’s Mountain is the tallest point in the Cuyuna area, and it offers the greatest view. The hill was made by miners to dispose of glacial till and low grade ore.
The trail covers this amazing hill, but there’s also a road that leads to the very top, which makes it one of the most accessible overlooks. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunrise and sunset, stargaze, and enjoy the weather, which is why it’s so popular among visitors.
The Sand Hog trail was awarded the Flow Country Trail Award of the International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2012, and it’s one of the most exciting trails in the Cuyuna area because it features the longest, most twisting ride!
Drag Line Trail You’ll find the Drag Line Trail on Portsmouth Mine Lake; it takes you through the Portsmouth Campground and the beach before leading you to one of the tallest hills in the area. The ride through this trail is just amazing and when you make your way back to the lake, you’ll be able to cool off and relax by the lake.
Bobsled Trail Bobsled Trail, similar to an Olympic bobsled run, hence its name, and it offers a lot of twists and turns and a long, downhill trajectory. That’s why it’s one of the favorites among mountain bikers, and it’s one of the trails that you can’t ignore when you visit Cuyuna Country Recreation Area.
Timber Shaft Trail The Timber Shaft Trail is one of the area's most advanced and challenging trails, perfect for professional riders. The trail surrounds iron ore boulders and has special wood riding features, making it one of the most outstanding trails in the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area.
Winze Trail
Summer Activities and Dining Options
If you’re not really interested in mountain biking, you can enjoy many other activities at the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area. Scuba diving is one of the options, and the lakes offer many excellent opportunities. They provide clear visibility,y and the most popular ones seem to be the Alstead Mine Lake, which is 140 feet deep, and the Mahnomen Mine Lake, which is 525 feet deep, making it the deepest mine lake in the area.
Another great summer activity near the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area, Milford Mine Memorial Park in Cuyuna, honors the site of Minnesota’s deadliest mining disaster, which claimed 41 lives in 1924. The park features interpretive signs detailing the tragedy and its impact, providing historical insight. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, a boardwalk over Foley Lake, and tranquil picnic spots. The park offers a peaceful setting for reflection and learning while showcasing the natural beauty and rich history of the Cuyuna Range.
You also have the Iron Range Eatery and Rafferty's on Main Street, Crosby, and many other dining options. True North Basecamp True North Basecamp is lodging located at the heart of the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area, so we can’t end this article without introducing it to you. This base camp is often the starting point for visitors to set up camp and offers indoor lodging throughout the year. We have six lakefront cabins, 13 furnished tents and 14 campsites.
Some of the most popular nearby activities among adventurers include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and many different trails available, including the Cross Country Ski trail and the Snowmobile trail to have some fun during the winter.
Overall, the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area offers a complete camping experience and is one of Minnesota’s most exciting locations!