Day 3 – Walker to Crow Wing State Park – 76 miles

Highlights Today:

Pedal the new Shingobe trail, visit the Pine River Depot and Museum, or take your picture wearing Paul Bunyan’s baby boots at the Information Center, stop at Jack Pine Brewing or Northland Arboretum in Brainerd

Pine River – The founder, George Barclay, was owner of Barclay’s Trading Post. As home to many white pines, the Pine River, and the Norway Brook – it was a hub of trading, travel, and logging.

Pequot Lakes – Home of the famous fishing bobber water tower

Brainerd – Population 14,000 and Crow Wing County Seat, founded by Zebulon Pike of Pike’s Peak fame in 1805. and named after the Northern Pacific RR president’s wife, Anne Brainerd

• In 1933, the First National Bank of Brainerd became famous when held up by Baby Face Nelson and his gang
• Famous for the Brainerd International Raceway built in 1968

Crow Wing State Park is the remains of an 1800’s town at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Rivers which was popular for fur traders. Crow Wing slowly declined, when James J Hill moved the RR to Brainerd.

• Canoe rentals are available
• Visit Clement Beaulieu’s home, owner of the American Fur Company in the area