About Us
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 by means of a land donation from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The purpose of the refuge is to protect wildlife habitat and diversity, encourage waterfowl and other migratory bird production and promote environmental education and recreation.
The hardwood forests located in and around the refuge are the most westerly maple-basswood forests in Minnesota. The intersection of forests, lakes, wetlands and prairie makes the refuge a great place to see nearly 200 bird species. The refuge also includes a 17 acre bog wetland, a unique acidic environment that supports the growth of the tiny, carnivorous sundew plant.
At least 19 farmsteads, many of them log structures, were once located on the refuge. The Strom Building has been protected under a canopy and is located along the seven mile trail system. We invite you to explore the natural and cultural resources of Rydell National Wildlife Refuge.
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most accessible refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge has a seasonal visitor center that provides information about the local wildlife and serves as the starting point for the seven mile trail system that includes five miles of paved trails for easy accessibility. Five trails are open to hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Gazebos on the trails offer opportunities to watch and photograph wildlife. Contact refuge staff prior to your visit if you have special access needs.
Our Mission
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge’s purpose is to protect wildlife habitat and diversity, encourage waterfowl and other migratory bird production and promote environmental education and recreation.
Our History
1992 - The Richard King Mellon Foundation donated land for Rydell National Wildlife Refuge to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At one time at least 19 farmsteads, many of them log structures, were located on the refuge.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is administered out of the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Staff are shared between these refuges. Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges are complexed with Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge and the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District.
