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Visitor Information

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 to help protect and restore the historic St. Francis River Valley. Today this 30,700 acre refuge encompasses oak savanna, prairie opening and wetland habitats which are home to an astounding array of wildlife. The gently rolling topography of the Refuge lies within a transition zone of two major ecosystems - deciduous hardwood forest and tallgrass prairie. Recreation is encouraged where it is compatible with the wildlife and the land. The refuge is open to visitors during daylight hours within the guidelines listed in this leaflet.

The Blue Hill Trail will be closed to all use from October 29 through December 31 for the installation of new metal bridges. The new bridges will replace the two wooden bridges that cross the Buck Lake out-flow ditch. "The safety of our trail hikers is our concern,? said Anne Sittauer, Refuge Manager. "The project will involve the removal of the wooden bridges and the presence of heavy equipment ." The Mahnomen Trail is open for hiking during November and December. Hikers are advised that the Mahnomen Trail will be open to deer hunting during the state firearms season, November 3 ? 11. During this time, if hikers wish to use the trail, they are advised to wear at least one blaze orange item above the waist.

The Wildlife Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic and the Brande Road to all public entry from November 2 to 12 for the state firearms deer season which runs from November 3 to 11. The Brande Road will reopen following the deer season, as weather permits, to provide access to this portion of the Refuge for small game and deer archery hunting. According to Refuge Manager Anne Sittauer, vehicle access on the Refuge is limited during the firearms deer season to improve the quality of the deer hunt.

Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive is located 1.2 miles north of Orrock on Sherburne County Road 5. The Drive is open during daylight hours from late April through October. This 7.3 mile auto tour features three wildlife observation decks, the half-mile Prairie Trail, the half-mile Woodland Trail, and a quarter-mile accessible trail. The careful observer might view eagles, loons, egrets, sandhill cranes or trumpeter swans or listen to the enchanting symphony of sounds on an early morning. (see Refuge Map)

The Refuge offers two scenic hiking trails, the Mahnomen and Blue Hill, both located on County Road 9. The trails are for foot travel only. Bicycles and horses are not permitted. Pets must be on a leash at all times. (see Refuge Map)

Most Refuge lands are open to hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing from September 1 -February 28. The Brande Road is closed to all public entry during the firearms deer season.

Two ungroomed trails are available on the Refuge for cross-country skiing. The Blue Hill Trail has three moderate-grade loops and is open only to cross-country skiing. The Mahnomen Trail features three easy loops and is open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Hikers and snowshoers are asked to be respectful of tracks set by skiers and hike to the side of the trail.

All fishing, including ice fishing, is confined to the St. Francis River access points identified on the Refuge recreation map found in this leaflet. State regulations apply.

Canoeing is permitted on Battle Brook south of Little Elk Lake and on the St. Francis River south of Battle Brook. Use is limited to daylight hours. Overnight camping and campfires are not permitted.

Bicycling is permitted on the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive and County roads crossing the Refuge. Hiking trails are closed to bicycling and no off road travel is permitted. All traffic and directional signs must be obeyed. From September 1 - February 28 Refuge service roads are open to bicycling.

The Refuge is open to mushroom and berry picking for personal consumption only within 100 feet of trails or public right of ways. Please be respectful of the needs of wildlife by never picking an area clean or destroying the plants.

Small game, waterfowl and big game hunting opportunities are available on the Refuge. For current regulations and a map showing open areas, consult the Refuge hunting leaflet. Blinds for hunters with disabilities are available by reservation during waterfowl and firearms deer seasons.

The majority of the Refuge is designated a wildlife sanctuary and closed to all public access from March 1 - August 31 to allow wildlife to breed and raise their young free from human disturbance. During this time the only areas available for public use are the Wildlife Drive (after the eagles hatch in late April), the hiking trails, the St. Francis River canoe route, and fishing access points.

The Refuge offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. To receive an application form, call the Refuge office.

• Public use of Refuge lands and facilities is permitted during daylight hours only.

• Camping, overnight parking and campfires are not permitted.

• Horses, dog sleds, skijoring, snowmobiles, trail bikes, and all other off-road vehicles are not permitted.

• Dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

• Firearms and bows are not permitted in Closed Areas and No Hunting Zones. (see hunting leaflet)

• Target shooting is not permitted.

The 5,700 acre Sand Dunes State Forest , which borders the Refuge to the south, offers a campground, horse trails and other recreational activities. Regulations differ from those at the Refuge. For more information contact Lake Maria State Park at 763-878-2325.

Additional Refuge information is available at information kiosks located at Refuge entry points on County Road 9, County Road 5 (see Refuge Map), and at Refuge Headquarters weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Download a copy of the Sherburne NWR brochure (644k pdf format)

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