Chippewa National Forest

Chippewa National Forest
Chippewa National Forest “contains two of Minnesota’s five largest lakes, and eight different types of wetlands each with distinct plant and animal life.” It is located near the boundaries of the coniferous forest to the north, the hardwoods to the south, and the prairie to the west, and is home to 314 species of wildlife, including timberwolves, beaver, eagles and moose.
Phone: 218.335.8600   Here is the Forest website.   
The Norway Beach Interpretive Trail is 1.5 mile long.  Photos of it look as though it would be easy, but I am not finding much information about it.  Call 218.335.8600 to learn more and to be sure it is open.  “Access to the beach is first a paved path and then open, level  grassy picnic area.”
The Heartland State Trail “is a 47 mile paved multiple use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake.  The trail is located entirely on a level abandoned railroad grade, except for a four mile segment north of Walker which is on sharply rolling terrain. ”  From TrailLink:  it “…runs past a number of lakes, rivers and streams, many of which are directly accessible from the pathway. ….. towering white pine, spruce fir and hardwood forests offer shade and habitat for various animals, including raccoon, red fox, whitetail deer, beaver and porcupine. The trail also skirts the edge of both Paul Bunyan State Forest and Chippewa National Forest, home to a large population of bald eagles.”