Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Our Story
A Legacy of Stewardship
A Land with a Long Story
The land now known as the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve has a history that stretches back thousands of years. People lived, hunted, fished, and cared for these forests, wetlands, and lakes for millenia. Their knowledge and stewardship shaped the land and ecosystems that we enjoy today.
The Neilson Family Chapter
In the 1920s, George W. Neilson began purchasing plots along Spearhead Lake. Over the next two decades, the family acquired nearly all of the surrounding land. In 1958, George transferred the final 40 acres to his daughter, Katharine Neilson Cram, who spent summers and later lived on the property full-time. In 1978, Katharine deeded the land to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring its long-term protection.
Modern Stewardship
Today, the preserve is owned and managed by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS), a local chapter of the National Audubon Society. MHAS maintains the land, protects birds wildlife, and provides educational programs that connect people to nature, including:
Youth environmental education programming
Citizen science and bird monitoring
Guided walks, birding events, and community gatherings.
Protected Forever
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS) recognizes the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve as an irreplaceable natural treasure worthy of permanent protection. To safeguard its future, on April 6, 1999, MHAS placed the NSNP under a perpetual conservation easement with the Minnesota Land Trust.
This legal agreement ensures that the preserve, still owned by MHAS, will remain protected for generations, regardless of any changes in future land ownership. MHAS provides all management, upkeep, and maintenance for the preserve, covering operational costs and organizing programs and activities in alignment with our bylaws and mission.
See more of how the preserve came to be and the people who made it happen below.
Historical Timeline
Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society & Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Treaty of Washington creates reservation lands including Leech Lake & Mille Lacs
White Earth Reservation established
Hubbard County created
Beltrami County created
Bemidji incorporated; becomes county seat
George Neilson purchases first lots along Spearhead Lake
Neilson family completes land acquisitions forming NSNP
First Christmas Bird Count organized
National Audubon Society incorporated
Paul Bunyan & Babe statues unveiled in Bemidji
Final ~40 acres deeded to Katharine Neilson Cram
MHAS formed as local Audubon chapter
Property donated to Nature Conservancy
Property deeded to MHAS
Conservation easement placed
NSNP records 200+ plant species; trails & programs expand
NSNP manages 466 acres, trails & programs
Our Commitment
As trustees of this land, we acknowledge that the preserve exists within the homelands of Indigenous peoples who have cared for these waters and forests for millennia. We honor their resilience and continued presence, and we commit ourselves to advancing justice, equity, and respect in our work.
A Century of Stewardship
The preserve’s story begins in 1922, when George W. Neilson started buying land along Spearhead Lake. By 1939, the Neilson family had nearly all the surrounding property. In 1958, George passed the final 40 acres to his daughter, Katharine Neilson Cram, who spent summers and later lived there full-time. In 1978, Katharine deeded the land to The Nature Conservancy, and today it is owned and managed by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS)—a local chapter of the National Audubon Society.
A Living Classroom
Since 1975, NSNP has been a living classroom for environmental science. The Young Naturalist Program has helped hundreds of local kids connect with nature, and hands-on projects let volunteers of all ages care for the land.
But it’s not all work—there’s plenty of time for fun, too. Hike, snowshoe, ski, paddle, or fish depending on the season. Follow the trails in spring and summer, hear the loons call across the lake in summer, enjoy brilliant fall colors, or try your hand at ice fishing in winter. Every season brings a new way to experience this northern Minnesota gem.
Education & Recreation
The Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is a place of discovery in every season. Year-round programs invite children, families, groups, and lifelong learners to explore, ask questions, and deepen their connection to the natural world. These hands-on experiences spark curiosity, foster environmental understanding, and help cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders.
Beyond organized programs, visitors can enjoy four seasons of outdoor recreation. Miles of trails wind through forests and wetlands, perfect for hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, while Spearhead Lake provides opportunities for paddling in summer and ice fishing in winter. Whether learning, exploring, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of the forest, the preserve lets everyone connect with the rhythms of nature.
Wild & Wonderful
NSNP is home to over 200 documented plant species, including rare and endangered varieties, as well as habitats that support birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. From the haunting call of loons across the lake to the shaded, quiet paths of intact woodlands, the preserve offers a sanctuary for both wildlife and people alike.
Get Involved
You can actively help protect the preserve and the birds that live here:
Habitat Restoration Projects: Plant native vegetation, maintain trails, or remove invasive species.
Citizen Science & Bird Monitoring: Record sightings, track species, and contribute to Audubon projects.
Volunteer Events: Participate in activities that support the preserve and its wildlife.
Hands-on stewardship allows groups to learn by doing and directly contribute to protecting habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Visit the Preserve
The Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is located at 48851 County 29 approximately 11 miles southwest of Bemidji, Minnesota.