Located in northwestern Minnesota, Rydell National Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 2,200 acres of grassland, wetland and forest habitat. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to benefit migratory birds and resident wildlife species, the refuge also provides a variety of educational and recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

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Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to benefit migratory birds and resident wildlife species, the refuge also provides a variety of educational and recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

Location and Contact Information

      What We Do

      Services
      Kayakers navigating a swamp full of trees and lily pads.

      Some 30 national wildlife refuges  charge visitors a nominal entrance fee (generally $3-$5 daily)  to cover road and facility maintenance.  If you are a regular visitor or would like to visit other public lands, you could save by buying an America the Beautiful Federal...

      Silhouette of a person walking with a shotgun on the tundra

      Some commercial, recreational and research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges only with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are...

      Our Species

      The refuge has diverse habitats that support a variety of wildlife species. Waterfowl, including ducks, geese and swans, rely on the wetlands and the surrounding grasslands and woodlands for feeding and nesting. Trumpeter swans, the largest of North American waterfowl, nest here each year. Bald eagles and osprey hunt on the refuge and gray wolves are occasionally seen. Resident species include white-tailed deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, great horned owl, pileated woodpecker, long-tailed weasel, red fox, river otter and beaver.

      An adult American black bear in a forest

      In the East, nearly black; in the West, black to cinnamon, with white blaze on chest. A "blue" phase occurs near Yakutat Bay, Alaska, and a nearly white population on Gribble Island, British Columbia, and the neighboring mainland. Snout tan or grizzled; in profile straight or slightly convex. 3...

      FWS Focus
      Trumpeter swan and young swimming in Pablo day use pond

      The trumpeter swan is a majestic bird, with snowy white feathers; jet-black bill, feet, and legs; and 8-foot wingspan. At close range, a thin orange-red line can be seen on the lower part of the bill. The trumpeter is often confused with the smaller, more northerly tundra swan, especially where...

      FWS Focus
      Bald eagle up close with wing raised

      A large raptor, the bald eagle has a wingspread of about seven feet. Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak. Juveniles are mostly brown with white mottling on the body, tail, and undersides of wings. Adult plumage usually is obtained by the sixth year. In...

      FWS Focus