“The Big Woods”

Most Minnesotans have heard of the term “The Big Woods” but what exactly does it mean? The term was originally the name given to the region by French explorers was  le bois grand (which means Big Woods). This region covered most of south central Minnesota, a portion of western Wisconsin and a part of south central Minnesota. It also covered some of the area along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Most of the Big Woods was bordered on the west and south by the beginning of the Great Plains.

The Big Woods was dominated by American elm, basswood (linden), sugar maple, and red oak. The understory was composed of ironwood, green ash, aspen and birch. The entire area covered as much as 5,000 square miles (in a diagonal strip 100 miles long and 40 miles wide) and created a canopy that at times, blocked the sun and limited undergrowth.

Plaque near Elko, MN 

 

A small part of the Big Woods is being preserved in pristine condition in Nerstrand – Big Woods State Park, which is located just east of Fairbault, Minnesota and there is a plaque commemorating the Big Wood located off Interstate 35 near Elko, Minnesota.

Wright County lies just off the northern edge of the region but some areas still bear the characteristics of the “Woods”. To see and experience what it may have been like one has only to visit Lake Maria State Park. But, there is also an area of the Bertram Lakes that still has the “feel” of the Big Woods and that is in the area between Bertram Lake and Long Lake. Walk the area, get off the trails and find the groves of ironwood, basswood and maple. You will love it!