Welcome to the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, where we care for 50,000 acres of wildlife habitat scattered across five counties in western Minnesota. Situated on the eastern edge of North America's Prairie Pothole Region, also known as the duck factory, we strive to preserve, restore, and manage wetlands and prairies for nesting waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans). You can enjoy many types of outdoor recreation here through the seasons while you observe wildlife, like bird watching, hiking, nature photography, snowshoeing, and hunting. The best place for many visitors to start their adventure is at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
Construction and Hours

Parking Lot Construction

Replacement of the parking lot at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center began July 5, 2023.  Visitors may still park there.  Please watch for workers, cones, and signage to direct you.  We look forward to using a re-designed and better functioning parking lot this fall.  

Hiking Trail Construction

Repairs to the Mallard Marsh Trail are completed.  Trails are all open for hiking now.

District Headquarters Office Hours

Open days:  Monday through Friday

Open hours:  7:00 am – 3:30 pm. 

Visitor Center Hours

Open day:  Friday

Open hours:  8:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Bluestem Store in the visitor center is open Fridays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. 

Due to numerous vacant positions, the visitor center is only open one day per week to walk-in visitors.  Should more volunteers become regularly available, we may add an another day(s).  

Outdoor Sites

The lands and waters of the District are open for public enjoyment daily, year-round.  Outdoor sites are open during daylight hours in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, including Waterfowl Production Areas and trails at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.  

Reminders

  • Remember to leave pets and bikes at home.  They are not allowed at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.  Thank you for keeping the trails a safe place for people and wildlife.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available.  Please call our office at 218-998-4480 or email us for more information.
  • If you have questions or need assistance, you may call our office at 218-998-4480 or email us.  

 

Visit Us

Several visitors walk across a wooden bridge on a frozen wetland in the winter prairie.
Image Details
Visitors cross Mallard Marsh on the frozen floating bridge in winter.

We invite you to join us in enjoying and caring for this spectacular landscape. Wetland management districts offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and connect with our natural surroundings. The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center provides quality environmental education and outdoor recreation for visitors. We hope you visit as regularly and often as possible, because each experience holds unexpected wonders to delight your heart and mind and link you to land and sky, water and wildlife.

Location and Contact Information

      Tours

      A line of about a dozen children and adults snowshoe across a bridge
      Image Details

      The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District provides interpretive programs at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center for the general public and for organized groups of 10 or more people.  For more information, see our calendar of events or call us.

      Our Species

      9 mallard eggs in a nest hidden in dry brown prairie grasses
      Image Details
      Mallard nest hidden in prairie grasses

      Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is located in North America’s duck factory, a region historically rich in wetlands, prairie and waterfowl. We manage district lands most notably for nesting ducks, geese and swans, as well as migratory songbirds. You can observe and appreciate hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians through the seasons that are dependent upon this ecosystem to complete part or all of their life cycles.