Spanning across five Minnesota counties, it offers a veritable smorgasbord of scenic delights during any season. But it is not for the anxious of spirit or the greedy of heart; its riches of forest, fowl and flower are shared slowly for all to witness and remember. For it has come to be fondly known as simply The 113.

During the summer months across northern Minnesota, all of Minnesota State Highway 113 bustles with the yearly excitement of those returning to their personal fishing and lodging locations. In the fall, the same highway stretch provides memorable scenic vistas of magical colors to excite the soul while winter brings with it picturesque scenes straight from Currier and Ives. And spring unfolds its new life alongside this gentle drive of The 113. Spanning 46 miles across southern Mahnomen and northern Becker counties, Minnesota Highway 113 remains a best kept secret of scenic Minnesota byways; at least, until now.

Intersecting Minnesota Highway 32 in northern Norman County, eastbound Highway 39 officially becomes The 113. Seventeen miles further east, one will enter the cozy traditional town of Waubun and here is where the adventure begins. So fold back this page, grab a camera, begin marking mileage from this point and be prepared to exit your vehicle several times along the beautiful byways of The 113.

The first eight eastern miles from the Junction of U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 113 - east of Waubun - will take you through the serene environment of the Waubun State Wildlife Management Area; ideal for photography of water fowl and deer. Signs posted along the way will caution you several times of wildlife crossings. Upon Mile 8 of your journey, you will find yourself entering into the wondrous 59,500 wooded acres of the White Earth Indian Reservation and the White Earth State Forest... and into the heart of The 113.

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Mile 12 - You will venture upon your first set of lakes: the McCraney, Gull, Wadena, Egg and Snider Lakes. Snider Lake, with public access on its southeast shore (via County Road 4), is said to be the haven for both bald eagle and golden eagle sightings. Local Snider Lake resident Karen Berger attests to the plethora of wildlife available for photographing, "Along with loons and other waterfowl, there is other wildlife from deer and moose to timber wolves and bear."

Mile 15 - The Tulaby Creek, connecting McCraney Lake and Tulaby Lake, will intersect with and run alongside Highway 113 in several locations. It is a subtle opportunity to experience the gentle wooded rivers of this area. You may have to park your vehicle off the side of the road and walk a few paces, but the gentle murmurs of the area's rivers will do wonders for your spirit.

Mile 18 - You will witness the sparkling waters of Tulaby Lake on your right, with public access to the water on its north shore. It is a lake known for its bluegill, green and pumpkinseed sunfish, whitefish and its yellow perch. Should you be looking for fishing bait or local hospitality along your drive of The 113, take the time to stop at the Tulaby Lake Inn. Kim Harstad, owner of the Inn, will gladly direct you to numerous photographic opportunities along The 113, regale you with lively stories of local black bear sightings, and provide you with groceries and authentic wares from the White Earth Indian Reservation.

Heading east from the Tulaby Lake Inn, you will continue to see speed limits posted at 50 mph; this is not only advantageous for safety reasons along the winding wooded highway but also for the wonderful photographic opportunities that present themselves along your drive. Take advantage of the posted speed... or act like a local and drive just a bit slower through this area.

Mile 22 - At Mile 22, where Mahnomen, Clearwater and Becker Counties meet, you will be introduced to the quaint little settlement of the Elbow Lake Village, nestled on the shores of Elbow Lake. Spanning over 1000 acres to the south of Highway 113, Elbow Lake is also well known for its share of bluegills and yellow perch. Exiting out of the Elbow Lake Village area, Highway 113 begins its graceful winding among majestic stands of white birch, interspersed with flourishing evergreen. This thankfully continues throughout the remainder of the 24 miles to the junction of Highway 113 and Interstate Route 71.

Mile 28 - Continuing through a large elliptical bend of Highway 113, you will cross between the two lakes of Juggler and Pickerel. Local roads will lead you to public access for each lake; Juggler is locally known for its rock bass, while Pickerel flourishes with yellow perch and whitefish. Great stands of white birch and mirror-like waters can be found in these parts.

Mile 33 - Continuing on your drive east, you will reach Bad Medicine Lake and its one main dedicated rest stop along Highway 113. Step out and stretch your legs as you take advantage of the southward view across Bad Medicine Lake. If you are lucky enough, you will arrive at this point by late afternoon to witness a glorious setting sun or early evening moon rise over Bad Medicine.

Mile 37 - Mile 37 and 40 will guide you along the Missouri Lake and the Twin Island Lake; again, wonderful opportunities to add tranquil lakescape photographs to your collection. Keep your eyes on the right side of the road and your odometer - it is very easy to pass by a number of memorable scenes.

Mile 40 - Twin Island Lake will be your last large lake vista while driving east on Highway 113. At this point, you will begin to notice the highway is now bordering the southeast corner of Itasca State Park. Again, stay alert as you will be entertained by the over twenty varieties of orchids and ancient stands of Norway and white pines this area has to offer! Some of the best wooded sunrises can be found in this remaining six-mile stretch of The 113.

Finally, Mile 46 will find you at the junction of Highway 113 and Interstate Route 71. Should you decide to go north at this junction, you will quickly find yourself at the south entrance of the majestic and legendary Itasca State Park. Should you decide to go south, you will be treated to a relaxed wooded drive toward Park Rapids.

But if you are carefree enough and have the time, turn your vehicle around and head west, treating yourself once again to the splendors of the 113.

By Lee Hoedl

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