Scenic Highway is in north-central Minnesota about 20 miles east of Bemidji. The byway’s northern terminus is near Blackduck on US 71. It travels south across the Chippewa National Forest and Leech Lake Indian Reservation to the junction with US 2. Scenic Highway is 12 miles long and follows Beltrami County Road 39 and Cass County Road 10. Both are two-lane paved roads safe for travel by all types of vehicles. Delays are possible during winter, otherwise the byway remains open all year.
Scenic Highway crosses the Chippewa National Forest through mixed stands of hardwood trees, evergreens, and wetlands. The southern portion of the byway travels adjacent to the shores of Cass Lake. Beautiful fall colors decorate the byway with colors of orange, red, and gold. White-tailed deer can sometimes be seen from the byway foraging among the open wetlands. These areas are also good locations for spotting a great blue heron or two.
Cass Lake is a large lake on the west side of the byway with numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. When Lewis Cass explored this area, he thought he had discovered the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Located near the dam and along the river are several archaeological sites where artifacts of historic significance have been discovered.
Near Benjamin Lake Recreation Area is the Camp Rabideau Historic Site. This Civilian Conservation Corps camp was built in 1935 to house the men that constructed fire towers, bridges, roads, and trails in the area. Four of the camp’s 15 buildings have been restored and are open to the public for touring during the summer.
There are several national forest campgrounds surrounding Cass Lake with a total of 227 campsites. Facilities vary but most provide drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Near the byway’s northern end is the Webster Lake Campground with 24 campsites. To the west of the byway, north of Bemidji is Lake Bemidji State Park. There are 98 campsites available with many having RV hookups. The park also offers miles of hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing trails.