Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is the largest prairie-wetland restoration in the United States, offering some spectacular primitive wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether on a prairie hike or from the road, look for waterfowl, swans, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, a variety of prairie sparrows and many other wildlife species. Additional resources about the refuge can be found at the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Driving Directions
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is located in Polk County, in northwestern Minnesota, approximately 10 miles east of Crookston and is 6 miles west of Mentor along U.S. Highway 2.
Glacial Ridge Refuge is managed by staff at nearby Rydell National Wildlife Refuge where visitors will find a visitor center. Directions to Rydell National Wildlife Refuge:
- From the north, take U.S. HWY 2 to Polk CR 210. Travel south on Polk CR 210 approximately 2.5 miles to the Refuge entrance.
- From the south, take U.S. HWY 59 to Polk CR 41. Turn west on Polk CR 41 and follow the signs approximately nine miles to the Refuge entrance.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
No restrooms or comfort stations are available.
Know Before You Go
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge has few visitor facilities, so please be prepared for your visit! Information kiosks with maps are located at several parking lots around the refuge. When planning a trip to the refuge, it is important to wear appropriate footwear for hiking and to dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make the outdoor experience more enjoyable. Don’t forget your camera!
Visitor Tips
Information kiosks with maps are located at several parking lots around the refuge. Additional resources about the refuge can be found at the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Activities
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge has a mixture of tallgrass prairie, wet meadows and open marsh habitats support a variety of wildlife species.
Trails
Glacial Ridge
Open season: Year round
Length: 0.5 mile
Location of trail: 3.25 miles south of US Hwy 2 on MM State Hwy 32
Surface: Natural
Difficulty: Easy
Information: A kiosk provides you with an introduction of the refuge and a starting point for other places to explore
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is administered out of the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Staff are shared between these refuges. Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges are complexed with Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge and the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District.
Rules and Policies
Welcome to your national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge . Discover new places to hunt, take pictures, watch wildlife, walk, cross-country ski, and snowshoe. Enjoy spending time outdoors alone or with friends and family. Please consult the refuge manager at 218-687-2229 if you have questions. We may post additional site-specific regulations. To ensure your safety and protect wildlife and habitat, please be aware of these regulations.