Fergus Falls Wetland Management District

Fergus Falls Wetland Management District protects wetlands and prairie lands spread across several counties in western Minnesota as habitats for migratory birds and wildlife. The area contains marshes, open water, and grasslands that shift with the seasons and support diverse species throughout the year.

The district was established in 1962 to protect Minnesota's prairie wetlands and grasslands from development. Within a few years, a focused program began to acquire and preserve smaller wetland areas to secure additional natural habitats for wildlife.

The learning center on site serves as a place where visitors connect with the natural history of prairie wetlands and their role in supporting wildlife. People come here to understand how this landscape shaped the region's identity and continues to matter for local life.

Trails and viewing areas are open for wildlife watching, hiking, and seasonal activities that vary throughout the year. Spring and fall are the best times to visit when migratory birds pass through in larger numbers and the landscape is most active.

The location sits within one of North America's most important bird migration corridors, where the wetlands produce a substantial portion of the continent's migratory waterfowl. This hidden significance explains why protecting these seemingly ordinary landscapes matters so much for wildlife across vast distances.

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/fergus_falls_wmd

GPS coordinates: 46.23833,-96.04167

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47