Minnesota Quick Facts
- Personal Use PermitNot required (National/State Forests)
- Best SeasonMay - October
- Top SpeciesMorels, Chanterelles, Chicken of Woods
- Key LocationSuperior National Forest
- BWCALimited foraging allowed with permit
Minnesota's vast forests provide excellent mushroom foraging opportunities. From the boreal forests of the Boundary Waters to hardwood forests in the south, the state offers diverse habitats for mushroom hunters.
Minnesota Foraging Regulations
Superior National Forest
The Superior National Forest covers over 3 million acres in northeastern Minnesota. Personal use mushroom collection is allowed without a permit.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA)
BWCA Special Rules
The BWCA allows mushroom collection for personal consumption during your trip. You cannot harvest large quantities to take home. A BWCA entry permit is required for all overnight and day-use motorized visits.
State Forests
Minnesota State Forests generally allow mushroom collection for personal use. The state has over 4 million acres of state forest land.
Best Mushrooms to Find in Minnesota
Morels
Minnesota's morel season runs from May through early June. Look in river bottoms, old orchards, and areas with dead elms and ash trees.
Chanterelles
Golden chanterelles fruit in Minnesota's mixed and hardwood forests from July through September. The northeastern forests are particularly productive.
Chicken of the Woods
A striking orange shelf fungus common on oak throughout Minnesota. An excellent beginner mushroom.
Giant Puffballs
Minnesota's prairies and forest edges produce large crops of giant puffballs in late summer and fall.
Minnesota Mushroom Season
| Month | Species | Region |
|---|---|---|
| May-June | Morels | Southern MN first, then northward |
| July-August | Chanterelles, Puffballs | Northern forests |
| Sept-October | Hen of Woods, Honey Mushrooms | Statewide |
Track Your Minnesota Finds
Use Mushroom Tracker to GPS-tag your spots - perfect for planning BWCA trips.
