Edge of the Wilderness
Day Lake CCC Camp, MN

An important chapter of American history took place here. At the height of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to provide jobs and to restore the environment.

Investigate the remnants of the Day Lake CCC Camp on both sides of the byway. On the west side are the remains of a concrete shower. East of the highway and uphill, discover an outdoor stone stairway and a chimney-remnants of the Camp Mess Hall. See how many old camp foundations and sites you can find.

Also located here is the US Forest Service Suomi Hills Recreation Area with 10 square miles of recreation. Suomi is the Finnish word for Finland. Scandinavians joined many Western European immigrants in creating a new life on the Edge.