Crane Meadows
Little Falls, MN 56345-6262
Plan Your Visit
Explore the over 2,150 acres of sedge meadow, shallow lake, oak savanna, prairie, shrubland and forest habitats at Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the wide variety of activities available at the refuge including hiking, wildlife watching and photography, hunting and more.
What To Do
If you have 15 minutes
- Check out the Carly Crane interpretive loop at the Platte River Trailhead. This short hike provides a fun, educational mystery to solve as you continue along the trail. Will you be able to help Carly Crane catch the thief?
- Check out the Platte River Overlook. Located off the Carly Crane interpretive loop, less than 100 yards from the Platte River Trail parking lot. Spend some time enjoying the serenity of the river. Be on the lookout for wildlife, including river otters and trumpeter swans that frequent this stretch of river.
If you have one hour
- Hike the first and second loops of the Platte River Trail. This hike provides an opportunity to observe the main habitat types of the refuge, oak savanna and prairie. As you walk along this 1.5 mile stretch of the trail, keep an eye out for waterfowl in the river, bald eagles in the sky and white-tailed deer in the oak savanna.
- Check out the Sedge Meadow Overlook. Located off 133rd Street, this observation platform offers views of a sedge meadow and a glimpse into the landscape and habitats the refuge manages.
If you have half a day or more
- Hike the Platte River Trail and look for wildlife! The Platte River Trail is 3.7 miles long and follows the banks of the river, winding through oak savanna, prairies, wetlands and woodlands to the edge of Rice Lake. Make sure to check out the Platte River Overlook near the kiosk at the trailhead and the Rice Lake Overlook which overlooks Rice Lake. As you walk along the trail, keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife! The trail provides excellent birding opportunities during spring and fall migration.
- Check out the Sedge Meadow Overlook. Located off 133rd Street, the observation platform is just a short hike from the parking lot. With oak savanna to the southeast, prairie directly in front of the overlook and a sedge meadow and large wetland complex to the south and west, the site provides a view of the major habitat types managed by the refuge. Visiting in the evening? This spot supplies gorgeous sunsets.
- Wanting to look for wildlife? The area provides ample habitat for wildlife, with a mix of federal, state and private land. Driving county and township roads between refuge units can be a great way to view wildlife, especially bald eagles.
- Interested in hunting? Grab a refuge hunting brochure and head out on one of the various units open to hunting.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National Wildlife Refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love.
Services
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system, which uses management tools like prescribed fire, invasive species management, and conservation haying to ensure the survival of local plants and animals.
About
Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 to protect one of the largest, most intact wetland complexes remaining in central Minnesota. It features a unique sand plain wetland/upland complex with a rich mosaic of habitats including sedge meadows, oak savanna, and prairie. The refuge provides critical habitat for breeding and migrating birds like sandhill cranes and is designated as a State Important Bird Area. It is managed as part of a four-refuge complex with headquarters located in Zimmerman, Minnesota.