Glacial Ridge Refuge’s mixture of tallgrass prairie, wet meadows and open marsh habitats support a variety of wildlife species. In the spring you can hear the booming sounds of prairie chickens and the cries of both sandhill cranes and marbled godwits. Throughout the year, look for northern harriers gliding a short distance above the grass hunting for their next meal. You might also catch a glimpse of some of the resident mammals that use the area such as white-tailed deer and the occasional moose.  

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife Refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. That’s not surprising – the digital camera population explosion and cell phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities are increasing the number of nature photographers at a rapid rate. Glacial Ridge offers spectacular opportunities to photograph the unique plants and wildlife of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Be sure to take home a photographic treasure of this vital landscape.

National Wildlife Refuges across the country provide opportunities for visitors to make their own connections to the natural world. A kiosk and 1/2 mile walking trail located 3 1/4 miles south of US Hwy 2 on MM State Hwy 32 provides you with an introduction of the Refuge and a starting point for other places to explore. Contact the Refuge for more information about upcoming programs or events. 

National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, one of which is an outdoor classroom to teach our visitors about the natural environment. The Refuge's education program focuses on increasing understanding of the northern tallgrass prairie ecosystem; the ecological significance of the area; and developing a life-long appreciation of prairie, wetlands, and associated biological diversity. Opportunities include school field outings, guided tours and classroom presentations. All activities are free! Contact the Refuge to schedule a program. 

The Refuge provides opportunities to hunt white-tailed deer, migratory birds (including ducks, geese, coot, woodcock, snipe, rail and mourning dove), and upland game birds. Specific Refuge regulations apply; please contact the Refuge manager for current hunting lands and regulations.