Minnesota Off the Beaten Path Tips by traveldave

Sax-Zim Bog is one of the top birdwatching areas in the Midwest, and attracts birdwatchers from around the world, especially in the winter, when such owl species as great gray owl, northern hawk-owl, and snowy owl can sometimes be easily found.

Named after two old towns located in the vicinity, Sax and Zim, the 200-square-mile (518-square-kilometer) area contains a mix of spruce, tamarack, and northern white cedar bogs. Additionally, lowland hardwood trees such as black ash, leatherleaf, and bog birch are common. There are also isolated sedge meadows and hayfields among the stands of trees.

Bog plants, rare elsewhere, are common in Sax-Zim Bog and include the carnivorous sundew and pitcher plants, and lady's slipper orchids.

Sax-Zim Bog is accessible by various county and township roads. Some of the land is privately owned, and some is owned by the state. There are also three federal Wildlife Management Areas in the bog. Visitors who wish to explore the bog should take care not to trespass on private land.

Leave a Comment