|  |  | |  | |  | Thief Lake WMA
Thief Lake WMA is one of Minnesota’s premier wetland wildlife areas.<br><br>Located in northwestern Minnesota, the lake and surrounding upland habitats provide habitat for breeding and migrating waterbirds and shorebirds by the thousands. <br><br>Western pied-bill, red-necked and eared grebes ne...
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Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge |  | Description: Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in northwest Minnesota. Two packs of wolves, moose, bear, and 300 species of birds, including 17 breeding waterfowl species, make this refuge a wildlife wonderland.
The refuge, originally named Mud Lake Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, was established in 1937, primarily for waterfowl production and maintenance. Located in eastern Marshall County, the contiguous 61,500 acres are situated in the aspen parkland region of northwest Minnesota. In 1976, 4,000 acres of the refuge were designated a Wilderness Area – one of only three in Minnesota. Each year over 20,000 visitors enjoy wildlife viewing on Agassiz Refuge. | |
Wildlife to Watch: Agassiz NWR is listed as one of the top 50 wildlife viewing areas in the lower 48 states and one of the best 100 birding sites in North America. The refuge is one of 45 birding sites along the Minnesota Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, which extends between Fergus Falls and Warroad. The four-mile habitat drive, Marshall County Road 7, and roads bordering the refuge provide ample wildlife viewing opportunities. In addition, one observation tower and one deck are located on Marshall County Road 7. To access the tower a key has to be checked out during office hours. There are three walking trails: two are universally accessible trails, being 0.5 mile and 0.7 mile in length, and another is 0.25 miles long. There is a wildlife observation blind along the two longer trails. |
Special Tips: Wildlife viewing is best from May mid-April to October.
For more information:
Refuge website
Refuge facebook page
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Other Activities: Tours and educational programs are given upon request. The refuge annually hosts a public duck banding event, which is typically held one of the first Saturdays in September and it a terrific opportunity for people to handle wildlife and learn why we band birds. The refuge has hosted and is involved in the regional Envirothon. Various educational trunks, posters, videos, etc., are available for school use. The refuge’s visitor center affords visitors an array of hands on educational opportunities. |
Ownership: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Size: 61,500 acres
Closest Town: Holt |
Facilities:
        Best Seasons for Wildlife Viewing:
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