Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bigg Woods Preserve encompasses over 3,100 acres of mature hardwood forest and oak savanna located in southeastern Minnesota. This preserve protects part of the Big Woods ecosystem, a once expansive forest that historically covered much of the region but now survives in fragmented patches. The area is characterized by a mix of sugar maples, basswoods, white oaks, and red oaks, along with unique wetland pockets and prairie openings. Ecologically, the preserve serves as an important refuge for several rare and threatened plant species and provides habitat for a variety of woodland birds, mammals, and amphibians. Visitors to Bigg Woods Preserve can enjoy quiet, scenic hiking on several miles of maintained trails, winter cross-country skiing, and seasonal bird watching—especially during spring migration. The preserve is also significant for its role in conservation, managed to restore native habitats and control invasive species. Historically, the Big Woods region was inhabited by indigenous communities before European settlers arrived and began widespread logging and land conversion. Bigg Woods Preserve stands today as a valuable natural remnant representing the original landscape of the area. Visitors appreciate its gentle terrain, opportunities for solitude, and the changing seasonal colors that paint the forest in vibrant autumn hues. The preserve’s remote feel and minimal development attract outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience unspoiled Midwestern forest environments.
