Big Bog State Recreation Area Live Cam, Minnesota

Big Bog State Recreation Area protects part of the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states, a vast, quiet wilderness in far northern Minnesota near the small town of Waskish and the shores of Upper Red Lake. This web cam is operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The bog covers hundreds of square miles and was left behind by glacial Lake Agassiz at the end of the last Ice Age. Visitors can explore it on a mile-long boardwalk that leads out over the open bog, past carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, orchids, tamarack and black spruce. An observation tower near the visitor center gives a broad view over the landscape and is open to the public during visitor center business hours.

The area is popular with birders, who come for northern species such as great gray owls, and in winter it is one of the coldest places in Minnesota, with deep snow and frozen lakes. Upper Red Lake is famous for walleye fishing, both in summer and through the ice.

Watch through the seasons for snow-covered winter scenes, spring thaw, the green explosion of summer and golden autumn tamaracks. Northern lights are sometimes seen in this dark, remote corner of the state.

The camera is provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.