Winter wildlife in Minnesota state parks

Birding in winter

Minnesota winters provide a stunning backdrop to any wildlife viewing.

 

Stop by a Minnesota state park for some great programs on winter birding and how to identify animal tracks in the snow. Check out the snow conditions before you go.

November/December - Visit the Weaver Bottoms along the Mississippi River and watch thousands of migrating tundra swans en route to North Carolina and Virginia. From there, head south to Whitewater State Park to check for wintering bald eagles.

January/February - Try reading mammal tracks in the snow. You might find tracks for white-tailed deer, red fox, or coyotes. Open water along rivers provides habitat for Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles.

Helpful tips

Red squirrel track

  • Bring binoculars
  • Go out at dawn and dusk for the best viewing
  • Be alert and move slowly and quietly
  • Search for tracks in the mud or snow
  • Look near the edges of forests and fields, pond margins and treetops
  • Try these wildlife and nature viewing tips
Want some more tips? Check out our nature viewing guide.

Events calendar

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08/20/26Smokey the Beaver - Nature TableTettegouche State Park
08/20/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/20/26Summer Series: Wild Rice Management and HarvestGlendalough State Park
08/20/26Paws, Claws and A-ha's!Jay Cooke State Park
08/21/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/21/26Night Through The SensesJay Cooke State Park
08/22/26Smokey the Beaver - Nature TableTettegouche State Park
08/22/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/22/26Paws, Claws and A-ha�’s!Jay Cooke State Park
08/26/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/27/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/28/26Whose Tracks are these?Sibley State Park
08/28/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/29/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
08/30/26Nature Cart: Animal Tracks and SignsFlandrau State Park
09/02/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
09/03/26Peaceful Wildlife Hike Gooseberry Falls State Park
09/03/26Pigeon River Phenology HikeGrand Portage State Park
09/05/26The Peregrine Story A Conservation ComebackForestville Mystery Cave State Park
09/13/26A walk in the parkFort Snelling State Park
10/01/26Peaceful Wildlife Hike Gooseberry Falls State Park
10/10/26Fall Nature Walk: Woods, Wings & Wildlife Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
10/16/26Fall Nature Walk: Woods, Wings & Wildlife Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Please note: Occasionally, due to extreme weather or poor snow conditions, an event may need to be canceled or changed. When in doubt, call the park.

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