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Superior National Forest: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)

Has 2026 info 2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.

How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.

Where can I cut?

• National Forest land only, and not in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
• Not in plantations, developed recreation or administrative sites, Research Natural Areas, designated campgrounds, active timber sales or newly planted areas, or on private land.
• Walk well off the roadside to pick your tree.

When can I buy a permit?

• Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.
• Tags are also sold at district offices during office hours, or call a district office to arrange pick-up.
• Cutting season: Oct 13, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).

How much?

• $5 per tree
• Extra fees: Recreation.gov adds a handling fee (per the Forest Service page).

How do I buy it?

What's an online permit? It's a permit you buy on Recreation.gov, the U.S. government's official booking website. You pay there, then follow the instructions that come with your permit.

• Online at Recreation.gov, or in person at any Superior National Forest office during regular hours.

Rules to know

• How many: Two tags per household per year (Forest Service page).
• One tree per tag.
• Balsam fir is preferred.
• White pine and cedar are not allowed.
• Maximum stump height 12 in.
• Take the whole tree.
• Don't cut the top off a taller tree.
• Visitor maps are sold at Forest Service offices and the USGS store; a digital map is on Avenza Maps.

Before you go

• Check this forest's official page and alerts the week you go. Rules, roads and closures can change.
• Cut only on National Forest land, never on private, state or tribal land.
• Forest roads are often unplowed. Check the weather and road conditions.
• Follow your permit's instructions for carrying, tagging or displaying it.

What to bring:

• Your permit (printed, if your forest asks you to print it)
• A hatchet, ax or saw (check your forest: some ban chainsaws)
• Warm gloves, boots and extra warm clothing
• Rope to tie your tree down
• A flashlight, first aid kit and tire chains
• Water, a hot drink, lunch or snacks (it always takes longer than expected)

Packing list based on the Forest Service's Christmas tree safety tips for the Chippewa National Forest. Before you leave, tell someone where you plan to cut.

Need firewood too? See the Superior firewood permit page.

Sources

• Forest Service: Christmas Tree Tags (Superior) (page updated: May 5, 2025)
• Recreation.gov: Superior National Forest Christmas Tree Permit (page updated: 2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026))

Data Source: Recreation.gov

Last verified: Oct 2026 (2026-10-29).

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