Activities

Facility Activities

Many opportunities for enjoying nature can be found on Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District. Non-consumptive activities are highly recommended (e.g. wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, and education, etc.), and traditional wildlife dependent recreation (e.g. hunting, trapping, and foraging) is available per state and federal regulations as well.

Birding

The district's 10,000 acres of grasslands and wetlands attract many types of shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds as a stopover on their migration route between their breeding grounds further north and their wintering areas in the south. 

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is allowed on waterfowl production areas, however there are no groomed trails. For your safety, please avoid wetlands as some of them do not freeze solid in the winter and may contain thin ice.

Dog walking

Dogs on 6-foot leashes are allowed to enjoy the waterfowl production areas with their owners. Visitors should use disposable dog waste bags to remove all solid pet waste when visiting. Dogs may be off leash only when actively hunting. 

Fishing

Waterfowl production areas are open to fishing per state regulations unless specifically prohibited or posted. Be sure you are also familiar with district-specific regulations when you plan your visit to go fishing. No motors are allowed on district waters. 

Hiking

Although there are no trails on waterfowl production areas, visitors are welcome to hike unless otherwise posted. Things to remember: Visitors are welcome to hike anywhere on the district unless otherwise posted. Hiking is permitted during hunting seasons. 

Hunting

The district offers public hunting on over 30 waterfowl production areas located in a 14-county area of east-central Minnesota, many within easy driving distance of Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

Photography

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts. Waterfowl production areas provide visitors with ample opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife and scenery. 

Picnicking

Picnicking is allowed on the wetland management district, however there are no formal picnic facilities. Please plan to pack out any trash or recycling after you are done enjoying your picnic.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is allowed on waterfowl production areas. For your safety, please avoid wetlands as some of them do not freeze solid in the winter and may contain thin ice.

Trapping

Waterfowl production areas are open to trapping per state regulations. Please see the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Trapping & Furbearers page for more information and links to regulations and license information.

Wild edible foraging

Foragers may enjoy picking mushrooms or berries on the district. There are limits to what you can take, and we recommend checking our regulations before your search. Reminder: Some mushrooms and berries are poisonous - if you are unsure, don't eat!

Wildlife watching

Waterfowl production areas are great places to experience nearby nature. You can discover hundreds of species of birds, numerous plants, mammals, reptiles, and insects during your visit.