Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Wildlife Drive

    Wildlife Drive Open

    Enjoy the views along the seven-mile loop from your vehicle, bike or on foot! Open daily 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

  • Junior Ranger Keychain

    Calling all Junior Refuge Rangers!

    Become a Jr Refuge Ranger by picking up or downloading the booklet and completing five exploratory-based activities!

    More Information

  • Photography_218x116

    Sherburne Photography Club

    Interested in sharing your work and learning more about photography? They welcome you to join them on the second Wednesday of every month!

    More Information

  • Eagle's Nest Nature Store

    Nature Store Hours

    Come shop for souvenirs, field guides and holiday gifts at the Eagle's Nest Nature Store at the OSLC! Open 10am-2pm Thursdays and Saturdays.

    More Information

  • Monarch Butterflies Migrating

    Butterfly Wings Fill The Sky

    The monarchs are arriving in the Mexican sanctuaries.

    Massive Arrival at the Sanctuaries

Refuge Updates

Fall Sandhill Crane Migration

In late September, migrating flocks begin to arrive at the refuge from their northern breeding area. By the middle of October, the refuge hosts thousands of cranes as they roost at night in refuge wetlands, and then fly out to area croplands to forage during the day. Reference the map below to find more information about the best crane viewing areas at, and near, the refuge, including the County Road 70 Parking Lot: goo.gl/maps/EgLt8PQEkANnemFH6. CRANE COUNT - 10/13: 5,478; 10/21: 7,691; 10/27: 8,339; 11/3: 10,411; 11/9: 13,130; 11/17: 4,910.

Sandhill Crane Viewing Brochure

Recreate Responsibly

Refuge lands, trails and restrooms are open daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. This includes Blue Hill, Mahnomen and OSLC hiking trails, along with the wildlife drive, fishing access points and designated canoe route. Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while maintaining social distancing! Please visit only if you are feeling healthy. We ask you to stay home if you're feeling sick.

More Information

America the Beautiful Passes

Senior Pass

Senior Annual and Lifetime, Annual, Military, Access, and Every Kid Outdoors (4th Grade) passes are available at Refuge Headquarters.

More Information

Recent Sightings and Guides

Are you wondering what you will see while visiting? Check our Recent Sightings and Guides page to see sightings recorded by staff and visitors using eBird or iNaturalist. Electronic field guides specific to the refuge can also be found there.

Recent Sightings and Guides
Refuge Map, Trails & Regulations

Refuge Regulations and Map

Click below for a map of the refuge, our trails and important information to know before you visit. The Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive and Brande Road are open for the season! They will close when winter weather warrants.

Public Use Regulations and Map

Hunting Regulations & Map

Hunting Regulations & Map

The refuge offers waterfowl, small game, fall turkey and deer hunting during state seasons. Brande Rd. off Sherburne County Road 9 opens Sept. 1 until winter closure warrants closure. Brande Rd. will be maintained for vehicle access to Long Pool through firearms deer season.

Hunting Regulations & Map Brochure

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online