Wildlife in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Discover wildlife in a mosaic of habitats. On your own or with the family, experience natural beauty at any of these three havens for trees, plants and wildlife.

TAMARAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Located 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, this 43,000-acre refuge includes more than 20 lakes, three rivers and thousands of marshes and woodland potholes. More than 250 bird species, such as the bald eagle, trumpeter swan and ruffed grouse call Tamarac home. Search for whitetail deer, porcupine, beaver, black bear, moose or timber wolf. Start your visit at the Visitor's Center, open weekdays year round, as well as summer and fall weekends through Oct. 24. The center features an exhibit area, bookshop and auditorium. Pick up literature describing self-guided auto tours and hikes in the forest. Find out more about Tamarac at: http://midwest.fws.gov/tamarac/welcome.html

E-mail: tamarac@fws.gov
Phone: 218-847-2641
TYY: 1-800-657-3775

HAMDEN SLOUGH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The office is located 6 miles northwest of Detroit Lakes at the intersection of County Road 104 and Township Road 440. Hamden Slough offers excellent viewing of waterfowl, shorebirds and birds of prey during spring and fall migrations. Wetlands, native grasslands and wildflowers are being restored. Shore and marsh bird populations are growing. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. With two staff persons assigned to the refuge, they may not always be available, but you may pick up free literature. http://midwest.fws.gov/hamdenslough

Phone: 218-439-6319
TTY: 1-800-877-8339

DL WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

The district manages 40,000 acres of wetland and prairie habitat, home to birds, wildlife and plants. The 93-acre wetland located at the district's headquarters just a mile from Detroit Lakes is open to visitors. Hiker and birders especially appreciate the new 1.5 mile Prairie Marsh Trail. Walk the boardwalk into the wetlands for up-close bird viewing. The headquarters is one mile north of Detroit Lakes on North Tower Road, open 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. http://midwest.fws.gov/detroitlakes

Phone: 218-847-4431