Smoky Hills State Forest Near The Lodge on Lake Detroit

Smoky Hills State Forest

Eastern forest dramatically gives way to the western prairie at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Hardwood forests stretching from the Atlantic seaboard rapidly shift to the vast western prairie at this picturesque refuge. Prior to settlement, this diverse vegetation was attractive to wildlife, and the area teemed with waterfowl, upland birds, bison, wolves, and other prairie wildlife. When fully restored, the refuge will provide the largest contiguous block of wetland prairie habitat in the region, encompassing nearly 6,000 acres. This will provide resting and nesting cover for 219 species of migratory and nesting birds. Currently, many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical migratory songbirds, and birds of prey rely on the shallow water and prairie habitat that has been restored on the refuge. Photos courtesy of David Niemela.

The refuge kiosk is located in the west central portion of Minnesota in Becker County on 210th Street, about 1.5 miles northeast of Audubon, Minnesota. Visitors can get to the information kiosk by following the brown and white refuge signs on state, county, and township roads. It is managed by the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District office which is located 2 miles north of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, via Hwy 59 North, then 1 mile east on CR 131, at 26624 North Tower Road.

Points of Interest
State, county, and township roads provide access to much of the refuge. A prairie chicken viewing blind is available from mid-March thru April. Observers can see the spectacular mating ritual of the Greater Prairie Chicken. Excellent wildlife viewing is available at Bisson Lake, during May and June. Shorebird and prairie songbird numbers peak from middle-to-late May. The Hesby Memorial Overlook with walkway and observation deck is located on the east side of Hesby Wetland. The refuge is listed on Minnesota’s first birding trail “Pine to Prairie Birding Trail”. The trail is over 200 miles in length with 45 sites to view birds.

Know Before You Go
When planning a trip to the Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, it is important to wear appropriate footwear for land excursions and to dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Visitor Activities
The Refuge’s wetlands and prairies provide resting, nesting, and feeding habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Prairie habitat restorations increase plant diversity that attracts additional insects, which deposit eggs and larva, providing a rich protein source for spring chicks and ducklings.

Hunting in Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting opportunities on Hamden Slough are relatively new. The refuge is open each fall for the State-set youth waterfowl hunt. The one-day hunt is allowed on roughly 60% of the refuge, maintaining 40% of the refuge as a sanctuary for waterfowl. In addition, the US Fish & Wildlife Service together with Ducks Unlimited and Minnesota Department Natural Resources sponsor a mentored youth hunt geared towards kids new to hunting. Deer muzzleloader hunting is offered on the refuge during the State-set season on all fee refuge land. This hunting option allows for a quality deer hunt after waterfowl migration, thus limiting any disturbance. Rules and Regulations can be found at the attached link.

Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing, especially birding, is a favorite pastime at Hamden Slough NWR. Many roadways intersect the refuge and allow for easy viewing of the refuge’s natural resources. Favorites include the county road along the Big 6 wetlands and Highway 14 bisecting Bisson Lake. Both roadsides offer easy pull-off access and great views of refuge waters and wildlife. Booming prairie chickens in spring are a popular draw to Hamden Slough. Each year, biologists place a blind near the lek for people to observe the breeding spectacle up close. Reserve your spring morning in the blind by calling the office at 218-847-4431.

Interpretation
Interpretation connects people to their natural surroundings whether walking alone on a trail or as part of a group presentation. Hamden Slough refuge offers a little of both. Public events, a trail and interpretive signs help explain the value of the fragile prairie and wetland habitats to both wildlife and people alike. Interpretive programs are available for your class, group or organization upon request. Contact refuge staff for additional information or to schedule a program at 218-847-4431.

Environmental Education
One of the most critical roles of the Hamden Slough refuge is to provide learning opportunities for younger generations about the importance of prairie-wetlands, wildlife and their associated benefits. Available tools to help accomplish this role include a prairie trunk and prairie chicken curriculum, geared toward fourth grade. To enhance educational opportunities and expose local school children and others to the prairie-wetland setting, the US Fish and Wildlife Service along with several partners constructed an environmental education shelter at the refuge. Contact refuge staff for more information on educational opportunities at 218-847-4431.

Location: Address: 21212 – 210th Street, Audubon, MN 56511 | Tel: 218-439-6319 | Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge Website | Distance from The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 12 miles

Smoky Hills State Forest Near The Lodge on Lake Detroit

Detroit Lakes Parks & Trails

The Detroit Lakes area abounds with beautiful parks, lakes, rivers, hiking & biking trails and more. Detroit Lakes, Becker County, and the surrounding area offers so many recreational and outdoor activities that it is difficult to fit them into one visit. With over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, and with beautiful rivers and streams (not to mention the Mississippi Headwaters), many parks and trails have been created to provide public access.

Parks, such as the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, provide cross-country and snow mobiling trails in the winter– and even more trails for hiking and biking during the spring, summer and fall months. You can also enjoy the natural beauty from your car. The Lake Country Scenic Byway is an 88-mile corridor that follows Highways 34 and 71. Along its route, the Byway uniquely spans three different types of geographic terrain.

View Detroit Lakes Parks & Trails Guide

Lakefront Hotels In Detroit Lakes

About The Lodge on Lake Detroit & The Spa Within
Our Detroit Lakes Minnesota lake resort is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy brilliant sunsets and memorable nights on Big Lake Detroit. Nestled in a lovely tree-filled setting on a private 550 foot wide sandy beach, you’ll find the latest hotel style and amenities. The Lodge is independently owned and operated by Holland Hospitality, Inc., now in its third generation of providing excellence in hospitality.

With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, we stand out among other lodging choices in Detroit Lakes, MN. For couples or family getaways, we offer a variety of rooms and suites with king, queen or two queen beds. Our free hot breakfast (currently using Grab & Go Bags while Covid precautions are in place), free local calls, indoor heated pool and fitness center make the hotel a great place to recharge between enjoying Detroit Lakes attractions and activities. View hotel detail.

All rooms feature lakefront views, free Wi-Fi and wired internet, flat-screen TVs with extended channels. Rooms are equipped with mini-frige, microwaves, and coffee makers and are pet and smoke free. View accommodation detail.

Detroit Lakes Day Spa: The Spa Within at The Lodge offers an extensive menu of select spa treatment services, many of which are signature treatments exclusive to this spa. These revitalizing treatments include the use of warm and cold basalt stones for face and body, and a variety of facials and massage therapies that are sure to induce a state of deep relaxation.

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Your Guide to Year-Round Detroit Lakes Recreation & Fun!

With over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, Detroit Lakes lives up to its reputation as a great place for year-round outdoor activities. Whether your activity choice is in, on or below the water (or even on land) Detroit Lakes offers a great variety of things to do for your entire family.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There’s a lot going on at The Lodge year round. Be sure to subscribe to our eNews and keep an eye on our Facebook page to keep up with live musical events (Live at The Lodge), Summer Thursdays, Wine Tastings, Murder Mystery Events, Girlfriend Getaways, and so more.

“Perfect spot for Business Meetings with time to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reconnect with your clients. Want a Perfect spot for your next Business Meeting, a Group Meeting and or small conferences with time to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reconnect with your clients. Great hospitality welcomes you to The LODGE on Lake Detroit with friendly customer service, outstanding lodging environment from the comfort of your room to the sounds of the Minnesota Loons on Lake Detroit. A great selection of restaurants and golf courses are just minutes away. Close to the downtown area, great location for fishing, and all seasonal things to do and events for all to enjoy year-around in the Detroit Lakes area.”

MINNESOTA TRIPADVISOR GUEST

“We enjoyed our stay at The Lodge in Detroit Lakes, Mn. The staff was very helpful and very friendly. We stayed in the Resort Room adjoining to the Retreat Room. It was very nice for our family so we could have access to each others room and to have use of a Kitchen. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and our son was participating in the Pine to Palm Tournament. Nice location to golf course & downtown. The rooms were clean and the amenities of having a dock for our boat and use of paddle boat & Kayakes was especially nice. We enjoyed the complementary breakfast; especially the waffles and pancakes.  The Ice water cooler was very refreshing. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Lodge & will be back on any future trips to the Detroit Lakes area.”

KATHY M – TRIPADVISOR GUEST

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2023-09-10T20:52:09+00:00
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