As the ice melted 10,000 years ago, soil, gravel, and rock were deposited creating the park's rolling topography.

Many swamps and bogs were formed when chunks of ice separated from the receding glacier and left depressions which filled with water.

The land continues to change slowly due to the erosion by wind and water, shoreline wave action, and other acts of mother nature.

In the late 19th century, European immigrants migrated to this region to harvest the white and Norway pine trees.

When the government purchased the land, a few areas within the park boundaries were in a virgin state, preserving the towering forests.

Campers may hear the sounds of red-eyed and warbling vireos, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and many other song birds.

A hike on one of the park trails can yield a glimpse of a doe with her fawn, a porcupine having lunch halfway up a jackpine, or even an occasional black bear.

In the evening, the park is filled with sounds of gray treefrogs, spring peepers, and chorus and wood frogs.

The woodland sound of a barred owl, the flute-like song of the veery, and the hammering of a sapsucker all add to the wilderness experience.

Activities include camping, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, picnicking, swimming, volleyball, fishing, boating and interpretive programs.

The North Group Camp site accommodates up to 50 people and has three spaces for small trailers or pick-up campers.

The course for the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon, first run in October 2013, travels through the park on the paved trails.

Interpretive programs in the summer include, morning hikes, boat tours of Lake Bemidji, evening films, and campfire talks.