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
- 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
Scroll table right to see more »| 07/27/24 | Macroinvertebrate Mucking | St. Croix State Park | |
| 07/28/24 | Kids' Activity: Wildlife BINGO | Father Hennepin State Park | |
| 07/29/24 | Nature Tots | Interstate State Park | |
| 08/03/24 | Friends of the Night | Forestville Mystery Cave State Park's Amphitheater | |
| 08/04/24 | Bob's Stairs Guided Hike | Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | |
| 08/04/24 | A walk in the park | Fort Snelling State Park | |
| 08/04/24 | Kids' Activity: Wildlife BINGO | Father Hennepin State Park | |
| 08/05/24 | Nature Tots | Interstate State Park | |
| 08/11/24 | Kids' Activity: Wildlife BINGO | Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | |
| 08/12/24 | Nature Tots | Interstate State Park | |
| 08/17/24 | Circle of Life Trivia | Blue Mounds State Park | |
| 08/19/24 | Nature Tots | Interstate State Park | |
| 08/31/24 | Nature Walk | Fort Snelling State Park | |
| 09/07/24 | Autumn Animals | Lake Bemidji State Park | |
| 09/21/24 | Equinox at Dusk: A Celebration of Nature's Transition | Lake Bemidji 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.