Facility Activities

Wetland management districts are for wildlife and people! Wildlife comes first on all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Human activities must be compatible with the needs of wildlife. Six priority uses are encouraged when appropriate: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. Fergus Falls Wetland Management District offers all of these opportunities and more. 

Recreational opportunities abound on over 220 units called waterfowl production areas, nearly 50,000 acres of land in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management. Our district lands two major biomes in Minnesota, offering beautiful prairie scenery in the west and hardwood forests in the east. Most waterfowl production areas offer many recreational activities including hunting, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and berry-picking. All of them are open to the public except for several that are posted "closed." 

All uses are subject to federal and state laws, including hunting and trapping. Trapping is not allowed on Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge tracts.

Accessible trails

A wide, asphalt paved trail extends from the parking lot at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center to the visitor center, dormitory, barn, amphitheater, education wing, greenhouse, bridge, and around west Mallard Marsh.  It is mostly level with a switch back at either end of the bridge....

Birding

Bird watching is available year round with the best seasons being spring, summer, and autumn.  A bird species list that contains 293 bird species is available at both the district office and the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. 

The five county Fergus Falls Wetland District...

Boating - non-motorized

While all types of motorized watercraft (including gasoline and electric) are prohibited, non-motorized vehicles are allowed such as canoes and kayaks.  There are two boat landings within the district located at Pomme de Terre Waterfowl Production Area and at Trousil Waterfowl...

Cross-country skiing

You may cross-country ski on the trails at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and off-trail at any waterfowl production area.  Trails are not groomed for skiing.  Ski pass not required.

Education programs
"The objective is to teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and enjoy what he understands."  -- Aldo Leopold

 

We invite you to participate in educational lessons for schools at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center with a minimum of 10...
Firewood cutting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues special use permits to cut and remove trees at various waterfowl production areas in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District.  Contact the district headquarters office for details. 

Fishing

The fishing opportunities on most wetland management districts are marginal but are offered in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Available species include northern pike, walleye, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass and sunfish.

Hiking

Hiking trails are available at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.  You can hike off-trail at any waterfowl production area in the district. 

Hunting

Hunting opportunities are abundant within the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District. The area includes a diversity of habitats from wetlands to upland grasslands. These areas support good numbers of Canada geese, mallard, teal, various diving ducks, other waterfowl, pheasant, turkey, deer,...

Painting and drawing

You can enjoy plein air painting, drawing, and sketching at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and any waterfowl production area in our district. 

Photography

Nature photography opportunities abound in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District!  Use your cell phone or bring your camera to capture moments, memories, and beauty to share and remember.  Whether you enjoy photographing landscapes, wildlife, plants, habitat, or people, endless...

Ranger-led programs

Ranger-led programs take place at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, especially in summer.  Check our calendar of events, Facebook page, or call for details.  Come join us in exploring the grassy hills, open skies, and glimmering wetlands of our prairie home!

Running

Visitors enjoy jogging on the trails at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, taking in beautiful scenery, catching glimpses of wildlife, and appreciating the fresh, clean air while exercising in their "green gym."  Running is easiest in spring, summer, and fall, when trails are free of...

Snowshoeing

Hikers can snowshoe on the trails at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center or off-trail at any waterfowl production area in our district.  It's a great way to follow animal tracks and exercise at the same time in the crisp, cold winter air!

Trapping

Trapping occurs on this wetland management district.  Most waterfowl production areas are open to trapping per state regulations unless specifically prohibited.  For details, consult state regulations and contact our office.

Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some...

Wild edible foraging

Visitors may pick wild edibles for personal use.

Wildlife watching

Whether you're visiting the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center or one of a number of other waterfowl production areas, you are bound to find an abundance and variety of birds, insects and other invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, and/or amphibians which live here through the seasons.  Use as...