Birding In Little Falls

Birding In Little Falls

With a prime location right on the Mississippi River, Little Falls, Minnesota is a great bird watching destination. Each year the Mississippi Flyway brings over 325 species of birds to the area, as they travel on their yearly migration pattern. This, in addition to the diverse array of habitats in the Little Falls area and the various public locations to go birding, makes it a popular place for bird watchers. Grab your binoculars and your bird guide and bring the family for a fun weekend surrounded by nature and the great Minnesota outdoors.

Photo by Dave Hoefler

Explore Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Of all the bird watching spots in Little Falls, Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is home to the most species of birds and a diverse range of natural habitats. There have been over 200 bird species spotted at the refuge including bald eagles, great blue herons, northern harriers, short-ear owls, and more. The refuge also holds a large wetland system that feeds water to Rice and Skunk Lakes and the Platte River. This provides the necessary habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and sandhill cranes. These species are also frequently viewed by bird watchers who visit the Crane Meadows. Visiting bird watchers are welcome to explore the refuge to view birds and other wildlife, but there is also a 3.5 mile hiking trail that follows the Platte River where birds can often be spotted.

Photo by Visit Little Falls

Stop Into A State Park

Minnesota State Parks are accessible and well-kept places for outdoor recreation, including being prime locations for bird watching. Charles Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls is one such park, offering impressive bird watching opportunities. The park is home to so many species of birds that visitors will want to pick up this handy checklist, which features each species and lets you know how common they are to the park. Visitors can look for mallards, wood ducks, golden eyes, bald eagles, and a wide variety of songbirds. These birds migrate through the park, among many other species.

Photo by Little Falls MN / Peter Keyes

Visit Spots Along The Mississippi River

Located right on the Mississippi River, Little Falls is home to many bird watching opportunities. Many species of birds travel the Mississippi Flyway each year. They migrate and then return to their homes, making the river a great location for bird watching all year round. Luckily, Little Falls has several parks along the river throughout the city where bird watching is a common pastime. Maple Island Park, Belle Prairie County Park, Le Bourget Park, and James Green Park are a few of Little Falls’ parks located on the Mississippi River right in the heart of the city.

Exploring Little Falls

Start planning your visit today with the 2022 Travel Guide and learn more about birding opportunities in the area.

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