2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Home History Visitor Information Platte River Trail Directions to Crane Meadows Environmental Education Refuge Events Habitat Day Volunteer Friends Group Hunting Wildlife Birds Fish Mammals Reptile and Amphibian Habitat Uplands Wetlands Fire Management Prescribed Burning Wildfire Fire Effects Monitoring Small Wetlands Program Phone: 320-632-1575 TTY: 1-800-877-8339 Address: 19502 Iris Road Little Falls, MN 56345 CraneMeadows@fws.gov

Visitor Information

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located in Central Minnesota, approximately 30 miles north of St. Cloud and 7 miles southeast of Little Falls on County Highway 35.

The Platte River Trail is open year round during daylight hours. There is no entrance fee. Leaflets are available at the trailhead kiosk and at the headquarters.

Platte River Trail

The refuge offers the scenic 3.7 mile accessible Platte River Hiking Trail that leads the visitor along the banks of the Platte River to the edge of Rice Lake. The trail is for foot travel only. Bicycles and horses are not permitted. Pets must be on a leash at all times. There are two observation platforms; one adjacent to the Platte River near the trailhead and the other, outfitted with a spotting scope, overlooks Rice Lake.

Cross Country Skiing

The Platte River Hiking Trail is groomed for cross country skiing during the winter as conditions permit. Hikers and snowshoers are asked to be respectful of tracks set by skiers and hike to the side of the trail.

Wildlife Observation and Photography

Wildlife observation and photography opportunities are good throughout the year along the Platte River Trail. May and October are the peak times for migratory waterfowl and songbirds. The best wildlife viewing is in the early morning and evening. You will increase your chances for seeing wildlife by staying quiet and moving slowly.

General Regulations

• Open for daylight use only.

• Hiking and cross country skiing permitted on designated trail.

• Pets must be on a leash at all times.

• Bicycles permitted only on refuge entrance road.

• Fishing is not permitted along the banks of the Platte River or Rice Lake. Many access sites to the river and the lake are available in the local area.

• Camping, overnight parking, and open fires are prohibited.

• Horses, trail bikes, snowmobiles, dog sledding, and all other off-road vehicles are prohibited.

• Hunting and target shooting are not permitted.

Volunteer Opportunities

The refuge offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. To receive an application form, call the refuge office

Signs to Know

	This sign delineates the Refuge boundary.
	This area is closed to ALL hunting.
	This area is closed to ALL entry year round.

---