Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
lake superior natural area - icelandite coastal fen sna

 

Icelandite Coastal Fen Scientific and Natural Area

mile 121.0
Minnesota’s Newest SNA

MN Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) protect the last remaining habitat for Minnesota’s rarest plants and animals. Recreation is limited to protect this habitat and natural diversity.

What looks like an unspoiled pebble beach is adjacent to one of only two known existing coastal wetlands on Lake Superior’s north shore known as a fen. A fen is a grassy or shrubby wetland fed by slow moving groundwater with a buildup of peat. Because of the extreme rarity of this wetland type along Lake Superior and its outstanding quality the site was deemed a high priority for protection.

Icelandite is a volcanic rock rich in iron. This rock is a lighter gray than the more abundant dark basalt of the north shore. Icelandite is relatively rare, especially in the Midwest and formed about 1.1 billion years ago.

The Superior Hiking Trail passes through site, which is an Audubon Important Bird Area

 

Check out these North Shore Favorites

family in horse drawn sleigh at gunflint lodge
charming Larsmont Cottages from over Lake Superior
upcoming events
Christmas at Split Rock Lighthouse
30 Nov 24
Two Harbors
Julebyen
7 Dec 24
Knife River
Christmas Tea on the Edna G
8 Dec 24
Two Harbors
Christmas Bingo
8 Dec 24
Finland
sparkling wintry lake superior and ice sheets stacked on north shore

Get North Shore travel tips delivered to your inbox