Description: The significance of this area is that it lies only miles from Grand Rapids and offers many city dwellers and visitors a chance to explore nature without extensive travel.

This mostly wooded area along the south shore of the Mississippi offers excellent opportunities to observe forest birds. A swath of marshy open area cuts through the woodland and provides habitat to marsh birds and birds associated with forest openings.

Wildlife to Watch: The area is best known for its diversity of forest songbirds, including northern parula, black-throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, Cape May warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, yellow-rumped warbler, ovenbird, mourning warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, Wilson warbler, Nashville warbler, common yellowthroat and yellow warbler.

In the marshy area sedge wrens and great blue herons can also be observed. Mammals in the area include white-tailed deer, porcupine, skunk, red and gray squirrel, raccoon and fox.

Special Tips: During a visit in late May, one might see 12 to 13 different warbler species.
The wildlife management area boundaries should be respected as there are adjoining residential areas.

Other Activities: The Mississippi and many lakes in the area offer fishing and boating there are also swimming beaches and picnic areas.

Ownership: MN DNR
Size: N/A
Closest Town: Grand Rapids

Facilities:

Best Seasons for Wildlife Viewing:

Wildlife Viewing Areas

A Guide to North American Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Bass Brook WMA

Bass Brook WMA

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