Logging in the area became more extensive with the arrival of the railroads, and finally tapered off with the disappearance of old-growth forests at the end of the nineteenth century.

The abundance of pine on upland sites make dangerous wildfires highly probable during the fire season.

Fire lookout towers and airplanes are used for early detection during especially dry periods conducive to wildfire.

The forest's camping facilities are an alternative to the highly visited Itasca State Park, located nearby.

Other outdoor recreational activities include swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking on the Crow Wing and Shell Rivers.