Koochiching County, Minnesota

It is said that Koochiching County is exceedingly rich in history.

This claim is based on the fact that many significant events involving people of various tribes and nations have occurred in these parts over the centuries. History records and explains past happenings and in so doing provides a background for what's taking place in our own times.

Beyond that, history brings into focus a great many people who took part in the occurrences of yesteryear — the makers of history. Succeeding generations can learn from them. The historymakers of Koochiching County were, as a whole, a colorful and adventurous people. They were courageous and innovative and lived a busy life. They were explorers, traders, homesteaders and lumberjacks. There were also teachers and preachers, merchants, engineers and builders of industry. All came this way with a goal in mind, their goals as varied as their occupations. Settlers of the early 1900's, in particular, surmounted every form of hardship — isolation, illness, harsh weather and poverty. There were few quitters among them; a majority endured and won. They built schools and churches and fought for good roads. The results of their efforts and sacrifice carried over into modern times and contributed to our own comfortable way of life.

Present generations owe the pioneers a warm thank you. Our history-rich county lies at the top of the map of Minnesota, its northern border forming the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. It is next to the largest of the 87 counties, exceeded only by St. Louis county.

Koochiching is also next to the youngest in the state, having been created in 1906 after its residents voted to separate from Itasca county. (Lake of the Woods county was formed in 1922). The name Koochiching, or Couchiching, arouses interest. Along with being a bit difficult to spell and pronounce, the word is of uncertain origin and meaning. Ouchichiq was a Cree name that the Ojibway applied to both Rainy Lake and Rainy River. An early-day traveler, Rev. J.A. Gilfillan, translated it into "Neighbor Lake and River." Another interpretation made it "A Lake and River Somewhere." In any event, the name Koochiching was first applied by white men to the falls of Rainy River and then to the settlement that grew up at the head of the rapids and became the city of International Falls.

The name was also given to a township that surrounded Koochiching village; all this before it was adopted as the county's name. Early French map makers applied the name Lac de la Pluie to the body of water known today as Rainy Lake. The term is believed to be a French translation of Cree words that referred to the mists of Koochiching Falls, resembling rain. Koochiching's history necessarily goes back to the prehistoric peoples who hunted the lush woodlands and fished the rivers hundreds of years ago.

Big Bog State Recreation Area

Big Bog State Recreation Area has been called Minnesota's last true wilderness. This two-part recreation area includes a northern unit and a southern unit. The 500-square-mile peat bog, the largest in the lower 48 states, is located in the northern unit. A mile-long boardwalk, completed in 2005, enables visitors to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource. The bog, which has long been a source of medicinal plants for the Ojibwe Indians, represented a barrier to European settlers who tried in vain to drain it.

Today, many of the native plants, including yellow-eyed grass, bog rush and two kinds of sundews, are on Minnesota's endangered or threatened species list. From orchids to carnivorous plants to rare birds, visitors will see a mixture of fascinating and rare resources.The southern unit includes a campground with 31 campsites (26 electric sites) winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach, picnic grounds, and great fishing.

The southern unit includes a campground with 31 campsites (26 electric sites) winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach, picnic grounds, and great fishing.

Northern Minnesota

For many travelers, the words "nature" and "Minnesota" are synonymous. Up here in the North Star State our wildlife is abundant, accessible and charismatic. Everyone knows about our wolves, loons, and moose; our orchids, carnivorous plants, and coniferous forests; and our eagles, pelicans, and walleye. But have you heard about our prairies, aspen parklands and bogs? Come on up and take a look.

See the sun set in the same tallgrass prairies that swallowed travelers on horseback more than a hundred years ago. Experience the wild symphony of elk bugling in the aspen parkland. Buckle up your snowshoes and head out into the muskegs to watch Great Gray Owls hunt at dusk. Not quite that adventurous? Truth is, you can enjoy Minnesota's wild side without even getting out of your car... see for yourself...

Experience Northern Minnesota!