The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area will be open July 18-26, Aug. 1-2 and Aug. 8-9. The self-guided tour allows visitors to experience wetland, woodland, brushland and grassland habitats, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Roseau River WMA, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and located 20 miles northwest of Roseau, is part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, which consists of 45 sites spanning a 223-mile corridor in the northwestern part of the state.
These sites offer some of the most spectacular birding in the state, along with scenic beauty and friendly communities. Approximately 149 bird species breed within the Roseau River WMA. Yellow rails and horned grebes are just two of the rare breeding species found within the area’s vast wetlands. Along the drive visitors may also encounter trumpeter swans, loons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, eagles, a variety of ducks and other water birds, sedge wrens, yellow warblers, Nelson’s sharp-tailed sparrows, black bears, deer, beaver, otter, mink, red foxes, wolves and the occasional moose.
Aside from excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, the Roseau River WMA’s wetland pools offer fishing opportunities. Visitors typically fish along the dike’s roads or near the water control structures. When the dike roads are closed to motorists, visitors can bike about 3 miles to Pool 1 West or about 10 miles to Pool 2 from parking areas. During the waterfowl hunting season only, motorboats of 10 horsepower or less may be used on Roseau River WMA pools.
Visitors can easily access the Wildlife Drive from the main dike road, which is about 2 miles south of the WMA headquarters on Roseau County Road 3. Only motor vehicles licensed for use on public highways are legally permitted to operate on WMA roads Motorists are urged to use caution due to narrow roads, soft shoulders, deep ditches and two-way traffic. The Wildlife Drive may temporarily close due to inclement weather or road construction, so visitors should call and inquire about road status and necessary vehicle clearance before venturing out.
For current road conditions, a bird list, maps, fishing regulations and additional information, call 218-452-7610, email, or stop by the Roseau River WMA office at 27952 400th St., Roseau, MN 56751. Maps are available in a brochure case outside of the wildlife office. Online maps and more information about the Roseau River WMA are available on the Minnesota DNR website.