Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A central Minnesota wetland refuge

Crane Meadows was established in 1992 to protect a large, intact wetland complex along the Platte and Skunk rivers, and it has grown to roughly 2,150 acres spread across more than a dozen parcels. It is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as part of a complex with the Sherburne, Rice Lake, and Mille Lacs refuges. The habitat is a patchwork — sedge meadow, shallow lake, oak savanna, prairie, shrubland, and forest — which is what makes the wildlife so varied.

The Platte River Trail

The main way to see the refuge on foot is the Platte River Trail, a 3.7-mile accessible route that runs out to the edge of Rice Lake. Along the way are two observation platforms — one on the Platte River, one overlooking Rice Lake with a spotting scope — and there is a separate Sedge Meadow Overlook off 133rd Street. In winter the trail is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as conditions allow.

What you'll see

The refuge is named for its sandhill cranes, and depending on the season you may also spot waterfowl, songbirds, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and river otters. It is a birding and photography destination first, and a quiet one.

Visiting

Admission is free. The refuge is open to hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, birding, and regulated hunting in designated units; it is closed to horses, ATVs, snowmobiles, drones, fires, camping, and bank fishing. The refuge office is at 19502 Iris Road, Little Falls. From U.S. Highway 10, take Morrison County Highway 35 east about 4.5 miles to the Platte River bridge, then the first left to the Platte River trailhead.