Crosby Fire grows to 160 acres in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, 25% contained

A wildfire that ignited on Wednesday, Oct. 8, within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park has grown to approximately 160 acres.

The location of the fire is west of the Cook County and Lake County line and southeast of Cramer.

Location of Crosby Fire along the North Shore | Graphic by Watch Duty

On Thursday, firefighters made progress in containing the wildfire, called the Crosby Fire. As of 6:10 p.m. the wildfire is 25 percent contained.

The wildfire is primarily located on a remote ridge area of the state park, and the steep terrain is making the response efforts difficult, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS).

On Thursday evening, MNICS said a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park will close at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, due to the Crosby Fire.

“The trail will be closed between Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest to the Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) access points,” said MNICS. While a portion of the SHT will close, the state park will remain open.

The closure of the Superior Hiking Trail is “out of an abundance of caution” as increased and shifting winds are projected on Friday, said MNICS.

Superior Hiking Trail closure in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park | Graphic by MNICS

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildland firefighters, U.S. Forest Service, and other local and state officials are responding to the wildfire.

When the Crosby Fire was first detected in the afternoon of Oct. 8, the initial burned acreage was estimated at 30 acres, with smoldering and creeping fire activity.

The cause of the wildfire is undetermined at this time.

Kalli Hawkins October 9, 2025