WHY IS THIS PRESERVE SIGNIFCANT?
Situated between Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Area and Hiawatha National Forest, the 1,728-acre preserve lies along Laughing Whitefish Lake and River, six miles south of where the river empties into Lake Superior. The preserve includes three-quarters of the lake as well as over 1,000 acres of surrounding wetlands and upland forest.
Abundant wildlife including bald eagles and loons, along with black bear, river otter, beaver, leopard frog and a host of warblers, thrushes and woodpeckers frequent the area. The varied habitats here—marsh and swamp, hardwood and beech-maple forests—all work in unison to support these creatures.
What can I see here?
Visitors to this preserve during the spring and fall seasons may witness a number of neotropical migratory birds and a profusion of colorful wildflowers in the spring and the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows of the autumn foliage. As you enter the preserve from the parking area you are invited to take the self-guided “George Shiras III Discovery Trail,” a mile-long loop with an accompanying interpretive brochure that describes plants, animals and historical markers of interest along the route.
Enjoy views of Laughing Whitefish Lake thanks to volunteer help in building an observation platform along the trail. While skiing or snowshoeing the preserve pathways during the winter months, keep an eye out for snowshoe hare and whitetail deer.