ROSEAU, Minn. – The 27-mile Wildlife Drive in the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area in northwestern Minnesota is open Saturday, July 16 through Sunday, July 24 and the weekends thereafter through Sunday, August 7. Natural Resources reported this this week.
The drive’s self-guided tour traverses wetland, forest, scrub, grassland, and farmland, giving visitors ample opportunity to view wildlife.
Roseau River WMA, operated by the DNR and located 20 miles northwest of Roseau, is part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. This trail consists of 45 sites spread over a 223-mile corridor in the northwestern part of the state. These locations offer some of the most spectacular birdlife in the state, along with scenic beauty and friendly communities.
About 149 bird species breed within the Roseau River WMA. Yellow rails and grebes are some of the rare breeding species found in the area’s vast wetlands. During the drive, visitors may also encounter trumpeter swans, loons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, eagles, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl, sedge wrens, yellow warblers, Nelson’s sharp-tailed sparrows, black bears, deer, beaver, otter, mink, red fox, wolf and the occasional moose.
Aside from excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, the WMA’s “pools” provide year-round opportunities for northern pike fishing. Visitors usually fish along the dike roads or at the flood defences. If the dike roads are closed to motorists, visitors can cycle to Pool 1 West or Pool 2 from the parking areas. Powerboats of 10 horsepower or less may only be used on the Roseau River WMA pools during the waterfowl hunting season.
Wildlife Drive is easily accessible from the main embankment road, which is approximately 2 miles south of the WMA headquarters at 3 Roseau County Road. Only motor vehicles with a permit for use on public roads are allowed to drive on this road. Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to narrow roads, soft berms, deep ditches and two-way traffic. The Wildlife Drive may close temporarily due to inclement weather or road works, so call before heading out.
Call (218) 452-7610, email at [email protected], or stop by the Roseau River WMA office, 27952 400th St., Roseau, Minnesota 56751. Tickets are available in a brochure holder on the outside from the wildlife agency.
Online maps and more information about the Roseau River WMA
are available on the
at mndnr.gov.