Edge Of the Wilderness Scenic Byway

The adventurous voyagers of nearly 300 years ago discovered it and now you can too - The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Welcome to Highway 38, one of the first 20 designated National Scenic Byways. This Discovery Guide is your compass, designed to guide you through the outstanding natural and cultural history of the region.Celebrate our northern hospitality, hometown pride and the treasures of our natural heritage.Minnesota, midway between America’s east and west coasts, is home to 12,000 lakes. It is filled with beautiful country and all the pleasures of the four seasons. The Edge of the Wilderness is the rustic slice of this great state, with more than 1,000 lakes and one mighty river nearby, all in landscapes of remarkable natural beauty. It offers some of Minnesota’s most popular fishing, camping, trail, winter sports and resort opportunities.

Take a fresh look! Whether you’re a newcomer, longtime resort visitor or local resident, The Edge of the Wilderness offers a unique environment of clear lakes, vast shorelines and hills blanketed in hardwood forests and northern pineries. At The Edge we are serving as stewards of the environment while also sustaining a viable commerce in forest products. From the earliest Indians to the immigrants who inhabit our land, learn about the people who have chosen to live and work on The Edge. Get away from it all! Itasca County is nearly the size of Massachusetts. Yet in 1900, when Massachusetts had 2.5 million people, Itasca County had a population of only 4,573. The middle half of the Byway is surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest. There are still far more trees than people here - offering you classic northwoods seclusion.

Along The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, we’ve selected 14 places where you can discover the hidden natural and cultural history of northern Minnesota. As you drive the Byway, look on the east side of the road for green reference point markers approximately one mile apart. These can assist you in navigating your way along the Byway. Also, look for The Edge byway signs and reference numbers along the roadway alerting you to the next Discovery Site just ahead. Twelve Discovery Sites have parking for you to take a fresh look at the scenery and these interesting sites. At most of the Discovery Sites, you’ll find display panels with fun and interesting facts and lore. Many sites have trails and other facilities to make your stop even more enjoyable. For easy reference, Discovery Sites are numbered from south to north.You can start your Byway trip at any of the 14 Discovery Sites. The entire Byway keeps you traveling along beautiful and historic Highway 38.

Highway 38 courses up and down and curves often - that’s part of its charm. Locals named it “Highway Loop-de-Loop” in the early days. As you drive the 47-mile Byway, be aware of lower speed limits, other traffic on the highway and weather conditions. This is a working roadway with trucks carrying logs and other local products. Safety first!

Discover without destroying. Please don’t litter or leave any items behind. Taking wild plants and animals not only will destroy fragile habitats but also may be illegal. And, please respect private property along the Byway.