Wildlife watching and birding in the Saint Croix valley
In the scenic Saint Croix river valley a wonderful world of wildlife watching and birding opportunities awaits you. Extensive wetlands, acres of wild places, a broad range of natural habitat and a commitment to environmental stewardship have made both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the Saint Croix river valley an outstanding regional birding and wildlife destination.
Here are just a handful of birding viewing trails in the St. Croix Valley. To learn more about birding in the St. Croix Valley visit: The St. Croix Valley Bird Club
Other helpful resources - the Minnesota and Wisconsin DNR websites: www.dnr.state.mn.us or www.dnr.wi.gov
Historic buildings on eleven acres with educational programs, events and activities. Feel Free to Enjoy the Grounds on Your Own. Open Year Round – Limited Hours – January, February, March. Farmstead Flea Market – Weekends, May through October Farmers Market – Saturday Mornings, June through October 1100 Heritage Drive …
Afton State Park – Afton, MN – Provides an excellent combination of grassland, woodland and riverine habitat for a wide variety of bird life. Restored prairie areas are excellent for eastern meadowlark, bobolink, savannah, vesper, field and Henslow’s sparrows. 29 species of warblers have been recorded in the park. The 1600 …
Freedom Park Visitor & Learning Center – Prescott, WI – Located at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, this is one of the best places to bird watch in the area. Large number of hawks, songbirds and raptors are impressive both during Spring and Fall migration.
Interstate Park, St. Croix Falls, WI, Taylors Falls, MN – Steep cliffs provide updrafts for raptors, Northern rough-winged swallows are common along the river, the west edge of the park provides habitat for sparrows, thrushes, vireos and flycatchers. Comprised of two adjacent state parks on the Minnesota–Wisconsin border, both named …
Kinnickinnic State Park – River Falls, WI.- Offers panoramic views of the river gorge as well as secluded hiking trails that traverse both prairie and upland forests. Signature species include: Northern Waterthrush, Common Mergansers and Blackburnian Warblers. Kinnickinnic River State Park W 11983 820th Ave. River Falls, WI 715-425-1129
Oak Ridge Lake & National Waterfowl Production Area – New Richmond, WI – A major stopover lake during migration for Tundra and Trumpeter Swans. Summer brings many types of ducks, herons, egrets, signature species include – Le Conte’s Sparrow, Short-Eared owls, and Northern Harriers.
St. Croix Islands State Wildlife Area, Somerset, WI – A delta is formed where the Apple and St. Croix River meet. Important migratory route in Spring and Fall for viewing – ducks, geese, swans, raptors, including – Eagles, Osprey, Hawks, Northern Harriers.
Wild River State Park – Center City, MN – Outstanding location for birding; great diversity of species, over 200. Excellent for viewing – warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and sparrows during migration. Red-shouldered Hawks and Barred Owls are widespread. Located along 18 miles of the beautiful St. Croix River, the park offers …
William O’ Brien State Park – Marine on St. Croix, MN – Woodland provides for wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and wood thrush and there is excellent edge habitat for eastern towhee and for golden-winged and blue-winged warblers. The 2200 acre park offers 12 miles of trails range from easy to difficult. …
Willow River State Park – Hudson, WI – Varied habitats to explore, views of Willow River waterfall and gorge can be enjoyed from several trails. Common species include: Henslow’s Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Meadowlarks. The 2,891-acre park offers approximately 21 miles of hiking trails. The park is located five miles …