Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 952-854-5900 |
The Wilkie Unit comprises 2,100 acres of marshes, bottomland hardwood forest and three lakes. Flanked on the west by Valley Fair Amusement Park and on the east by Continental Grain, the Wilkie Unit demonstrates the fragile balance of people and
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A Great Blue Heron enjoys an evening meal. |
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wildlife living together. The Wilkie Unit is home to one of Minnesota's largest great blue heron rookeries. Come spring and you'll hear not just excited screams from the rides at Valley Fair, but the calls of great blue herons, egrets, and cormorants. The colony contains over 600 nests that can be seen at the tops of tall cottonwoods, silver maples and willows. One tree can contain one to sixteen nests! Heron colonies are vulnerable to disturbance after the birds return from their wintering grounds in early spring. For this reason the heron nesting area is closed to the public from March 1 - August 31. In early spring, before leaves return to the trees, Refuge volunteers set up scopes to view and share information about the birds. See the Calendar of Events
There are five miles of unimproved trails and abandoned farm roads that are excellent for hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter time. Please respect the heron rookery closure from March 1 - August 31.
Trail Map
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The Wilkie Unit is located a half mile west of Hwy. 169 and County Road 101 junction in Shakopee, on County Road 101. Entrance is on the right.
