What To Expect On The Prairies Edge Wildlife Drive In Minnesota

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get outside and soak up some fresh Minnesota air, this might be it.

The Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is officially open for the season, and it’s one of those hidden gems that never really gets old no matter how many times you visit.

GO ON A MINI-ADVENTURE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

The Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive is about 7.3 miles long, and you can explore it by vehicle, hop on your bike, or even take it in on foot. The route starts out as a two-way road before turning into a one-way loop, making it easy to follow while still feeling like you're going on a mini-adventure. Along the way, there are plenty of places where you can stop for viewing. There are overlooks and short trails where you can stop, take your time, and really enjoy what’s around you.

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VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

This area is made up of a wide variety of habitats. There are wetlands, forests, and even tamarack swamps. That variety is what makes the wildlife viewing so good. It’s not unusual to see songbirds, ducks, swans, geese, and even eagles soaring overhead. If you’re lucky, you might also spot cranes, turtles, or a white-tailed deer crossing your path.

WILDLIFE ABOUND

Every once in a while, visitors even catch a glimpse of animals like river otters, black bears, coyotes, or foxes! You just never know what might be around the next bend, which is part of what makes this drive so fun.

Peregrine Falcons Are Back Nesting In Minnesota This Spring

LOCATION

If you’re planning a visit, the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive is located just over a mile north of Orrock along Sherburne County Road 5. The Wildlife Drive is open to vehicles from April 1 through November 30, depending on weather and road conditions. (During the winter months, it’s closed to cars, but you can still enjoy the area by hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing when conditions allow.)

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

There are a few things to keep in mind before you head out:

The speed limit is 20 miles per hour, and that’s really to help protect both the wildlife and your experience. Slowing down makes it much easier to spot animals you might otherwise miss.
Dogs are welcome, but they do need to stay on a leash, and visitors are asked to stay on designated roads and trails.
The best time for viewing is early in the morning or in the evening. That’s when wildlife tends to be most active. Just so you know, if you head there on a weekday, you might see more activity as well, since it's a little quieter during the week, if you’re hoping to avoid weekend crowds.

THE BENEFIT OF VIEWING INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE

One tip that surprises people is that you’ll often see more wildlife from inside your vehicle than you will walking. Your car acts like a sort of “blind,” making animals less likely to scatter. So don’t be afraid to roll the windows down, sit quietly, and just watch.

THE BEST PLACES TO LOOK FOR WILDLIFE ACTIVITY

There are also some great spots to keep an eye on when you visit. Best viewing areas include:

Water areas along the drive. These can be perfect for spotting herons and kingfishers.
Mudflats sometimes attract shorebirds.
Around mile marker four, you’ve got a pretty good chance of seeing trumpeter swans.
Near mile six, there’s a bald eagle nest that’s been around for more than 25 years.

IT'S TIME TO GET BACK TO NATURE

Whether you’re a serious birdwatcher or just someone who wants a peaceful drive, this is one of those places that reminds you how much natural beauty we have right here in Minnesota. I hope you take advantage of this beautiful drive several times this year, and don't forget to pause...look... and take your time. Maybe bring some binoculars, and plan a picnic. It's a great way to unplug and destress.