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The Des Lacs refuge offers summer birdwatchers the chance to see the Baird's sparrow, Sprague's pipit and the chestnut-collared longspur.
The refuge protects 20,000 acres along the Des Lacs River from the Canadian border to a point eight miles south of Kenmare.
Peak waterfowl migration usually occurs during mid-October. Wildlife viewing opportunities are very good in May and June during spring migration and nesting and also in the fall. Bald eagles follow the waterfowl migration and it is not uncommon to see five to 10 bald eagles from October to November.
Sandhill cranes migrate through the area. Western grebes, performing their courtship run over the water, attract many visitors each spring.
Des Lacs is also well known for spectacular snow goose populations, up to 400,000 to 500,000 geese in the fall. The local community of Kenmare hosts the annual Goosefest in celebration of the fall migration in October.
Canoeing is permitted on the Upper Des Lacs Lake but no motorized boating is allowed.
Winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on hiking trails are also permitted.
Outdoor Activities |
