My brother, Cliff, gave us the idea. He had heard tell of it from someone but had not ventured there. We set out to find it. The Lost Forty. It began with a mistake. In 1882. During the height of Minnesota's logging days, a survey crew mistakenly plotted a lake 1/2 mile further northwest than it actually lies. Thinking that the area was underwater, loggers left 144 acres of trees untouched.
A one-mile trail now winds through stands of 300-400 year old towering white and red pines with massive girth that originate from when the Pilgrims came to America. Markers along the self-guided trail provide historical information as well as draw attention to such things as the characteristic bark that differentiates white and red pine trees.
Located in the Chippewa National Forest, the Lost Forty is a challenge to locate if you set out thinking signs will direct you... or a GPS... or you will just stumble upon it. No. Follow these directions. Easy peasy. From the town of Blackduck (Minnesota), take County Road 30/13 to Alvwood, travel north on State Highway 46 for 1/2 mile to County Road 29. Follow 29 east for about 11 miles to Dora Lake and County Road 26. Travel 2 miles north on 26 to Forest Road 2240. About 1 1/2 miles west of this intersection you will find a sign for the Lost Forty. (Source: USDA Forest Service)