Brule River State Forest - History

The Bois Brule River Valley and the uppermost St. Croix River Valley were carved by meltwater flowing south from glacial Lake Superior and the surrounding uplands. When the glaciers receded, a divide formed out of which the Brule and St. Croix rivers flow today in opposite directions. A portage was established between these two rivers, connecting Lake Superior and the Mississippi River watersheds. It was used by early native people and later by European explorers, traders, trappers and missionaries. In the mid-1800s, people first began to recognize the Brule area as a recreational resource.

Logging and Agriculture in the Brule Area

Cutting of the area's pine forests began in the 1890s and logging dams and log drives had severe impacts on the Boise Brule River during this period. Extensive logging was followed by wildfire and burning to clear the land for agricultural purposes. In the 1930s, most attempts at agriculture were abandoned, and a fledgling forestry program was put in place. The Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Brule assisted in early fire control and reforestation efforts from 1933 to 1941.

Development of the Brule River State Forest

The Brule River State Forest began with a gift of land from Frederick Weyerhaeuser's Nebagamon Lumber Company in 1907. However, it was not until the late 1950s that a full-time manager was assigned to the Brule River State Forest and a sustainable forestry program and recreation facilities began to develop. The first forest staff was stationed at the former Gordon State Forest nursery. The staff moved its quarters to the Brule Ranger Station in 1963.

The state forest boundaries have changed over time. Significant changes took place in 1959, when the boundary was extended to include Lake Minnesuing in the southwest, and the river corridor north of US Highway 2 to Lake Superior. In 1979, several miles of Lake Superior shoreline were also added to the forest.

The Bois Brule Area Today

Today, the state forest contains the entire 44-mile length of the Bois Brule River. This spring fed river runs cold and clear with a steady flow and plunges 420 feet from its source to Lake Superior, resulting in numerous rapids and ledges. These features help give the Brule River its reputation as an excellent coldwater fishery and canoeing stream.

Over 120,000 people visit the forest annually. Among the most famous visitors were five men who served as U.S. president: Ulysses Grant, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower.