Some of the wild life you'll see just outside of Thief River Falls.

Agassiz national wildlife refuge

22996 290th St. NE., Middle River, MN 56737 Google Map
From Thief River Falls go 12 miles north on Hwy 32 then
11 miles east on 290th St. NE/Marshall Co. Rd. 7
218-449-4115 • Agassiz@fws.gov
www.fws.gov/midwest/Agassiz
Explore the refuge’s 61,500 acres of diverse plant and animal life. Franklin’s Gull, Bitterns, 17 species of Eastern and Western Waterfowl, 5 Grebe species, Sandhill Cranes, Sharptailed and Le Conte’s Sparrows. Primitive camping allowed on state and wildlife land adjacent to Agassiz Refuge. Wildlife displays in office. Outdoor kiosks, firearm deer hunting. Agassiz bookshop sells refuge shirts, hats, books and wildlife-related items. Office open at 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., excluding federal holidays. For more information visit the refuge website or email us.

Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

For directions and more information call the Rydell refuge at 218-687-2229 • Rydell@fws.gov  Google Map

A partnership of nearly 30 organizations, this is the largest tall grass prairie restoration project in the nation. The project is located along the Glacial Lake Agassiz beach ridge about 20 miles east of Crookston with a goal to protect remnant tracts of native prairie, as less than 1% of native prairie remains in Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy watching prairie chickens from blinds and viewing thousands of migrating sandhill cranes, a plethora of prairie flowers and a tranquil view of prairie vista. This refuge was just established in October 2004 and additional public use opportunities are being developed over the next few years.

Pembina Wildlife Management Area

S. on Hwy. 32, 7 mi. W. on Cty. Rd. 3, 12 mi. to the Pembina Wildlife Management Area sign, N. on Pembina Wildlife Rd., 2 mi. to the S.E. entrance of Goose Lake Wildlife Area   Google Map

Yellow Rail, Le Conte’s Sparrow, Sandhill Crane, Greater Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Roseau Bog Owl Management Unit

Roseau, MN 56751 • 218-463-1130 

Almost 9,000 acres of peat bog covered with black spruce tamarack and cedar. Look for the Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw Whet Owl, Great Horned Owl, Spruce Grouse and Gray Wolf.

Rydell National wildlife Refuge

For directions and more information call 218-687-2229 rydell@fws.gov  Google Map

Over seven miles of trails provide visitors access to experience this bountiful natural treasure. Five miles have been paved to improve accessibility for all. Excellent bird-watching opportunities may be found along the trails and around the Visitor’s Center, which has several bird feeders and plantings to specifically attract birds. Deer hunting opportunities are available annually for youth and people with disabilities. The refuge trail system is open daily from sunrise to sunset and the visitors center is open during regular business hours and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. with extended hours through the summer. Activities include hiking, biking, bird watching, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Interpretive programs are held on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer.

Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area

42280 240th Ave. N.E., Middle River, MN 56737 Phone 218-222-3747  Google Map

Primitive camping in designated areas. 55,000 acres of wildlife habitat, including marshes, forests, brushlands, and prairie. Wildlife, present seasonally, include waterfowl and other marsh birds, deer, moose, bear, grouse, rabbits, furbearers, songbirds, sandhill cranes, and raptors. Activities include hunting for waterfowl, big and small game, and nature viewing. A scenic overview of the lake with interpretive signing and picnic shelter are available. Contact the headquarters for maps and bird lists.

Wetland Pines & Prairie Audubon Sanctuary

24 miles E. of Thief River Falls on Hwy. 218-745-5663   Google Map

Trails open year round during daylight hours. 440 acres of wildlife habitat and fields on the Ancient Lake Agassiz beach ridge.