Fire Towers in Minnesota

If you are looking for something to do, planning a trip to one of the five fire towers in Minnesota may be something to consider. Big Bog State Recreation Area, Itasca State Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, St. Croix State Park, and Whitewater State Park all have 100-feet fire towers for you to explore (addresses available at the end of the story).

They are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR); these fire towers offer mile-long views in all directions. This is good because they were initially built for watching out for fires, hence the name.  

Big Bog’s fire tower was initially built in 1938 and was renovated in 2011 to allow public access. From the top, you have stunning views of Upper Red Lake, as well as the Big Bog. 

 The oldest fire tower, the Itasca fire tower, was built in 1928. A nice half-mile hike from the parking lot, and you are ready to start climbing the roughly 600 stairs to the top. From there, you will have gorgeous views of Lake Itasca and the surrounding area. 

Also just a half-mile from the parking lot is the Millie Lacs Kathio fire tower (right). The views of Millie Lacs Lake atop the tower are breathtaking. When looking for this tower, keep in mind that it is listed as an observation tower and not a fire tower. 

 The St. Croix fire tower was built in 1936, and from the top of this one, you are able to see into Wisconsin and the entire St. Croix State Park. 

 The Whitewater fire tower is often referred to as the Elba fire tower. The Elba fire tower was initially built in 1936 and is the southern-most of the fire towers and the only one south of the Twin Cities. 

While the towers are usually open to the public, on especially windy days or any other reason, the towers may be closed, so be sure to check in advance before heading out. The towers are permanently closed from November 1st through May 31st.  

Big Bog State Recreation Area: 55716 MN-72, Waskish, MN 56685

Itasca State Park: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: 15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359

St. Croix State Park: 30065 St. Croix Park Road, Hinckley, MN 55037

Whitewater State Park: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910