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.
Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, and volunteers is our top priority. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is following federal, state and local public safety guidance and making every effort to provide continued access to recreational opportunities on public lands.  For more information, please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coronavirus Response web site. Local updates are posted here and on the PWLC Facebook page. 

Our timeline for fully re-opening depends on state and local conditions and may move forward or backward to adapt to current conditions.  Some staff are working in offices in addition to those already working in the field.  The district headquarters office and the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center welcome visitors to our indoor facilities on a limited basis.  

District Headquarters

Open days:  Monday through Friday

Open hours:  7:00 am – 3:30 pm. 

Visitors entering the facility may be limited to the entry area where staff will greet you and answer questions. Restroom facilities and drinking fountains are not available.

Visitor Center

Open days:  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.  

Visitors may occupy the visitor center and access the information desk, exhibit area, and restrooms.  Staff-led outdoor programs are taking place as well.  Please watch for announcements here and on our Facebook page regarding our calendar of events; click the Events tab for an events listing.

Outdoor Sites

The lands and waters of the District are open for public enjoyment.  Outdoor sites remain open during daylight hours in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, including Waterfowl Production Areas and trails at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.  During the coronavirus pandemic, we urge visitors to do their part and follow Center for Disease Control guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases for our public health and safety.  

Other Updates

Remember to leave pets and bikes at home.  They are not allowed at the PWLC.  Thank you for keeping the PWLC a safe place for people and wildlife.

Volunteer opportunities are available. 

If you have questions or need assistance, you may call our office at 218-998-4480 or email us.  

 

Visit Us

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

      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

      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.