About Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District
Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District was established in 1962 as part of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, with the advent of the Accelerated Small Wetlands Acquisition Program. After various iterations, the district was restructured and renamed in 1975 as the name we know today. The district manages hundreds of federally owned waterfowl productions areas in Becker, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman and Polk Counties in northwest Minnesota. The district is divided into three general landscape areas: the Red River Valley floodplain, the glacial moraine/prairie pothole region and the hardwood/coniferous forest. Land acquisition and management efforts are focused in the prairie pothole region of the district, with a goal of providing habitat for nesting waterfowl. About 3,200 acres of remnant tallgrass prairie have been saved, while thousands of acres of prairie pothole wetlands and tallgrass prairie vegetation have been restored. These habitats are not only critical for waterfowl but are beneficial to other wildlife species as well.
How to Get There
To reach the district headquarters from the junction of U.S. Highways 10 and 59 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, proceed north two miles on Hwy. 59 to Tower Road (County Road 139). Turn east on Tower Road and travel approximately one mile. The office is on the north side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District
Heading to Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District?
No central reservation system listed for Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1377) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District?
To reach the district headquarters from the junction of U.S. Highways 10 and 59 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, proceed north two miles on Hwy. 59 to Tower Road (County Road 139). Turn east on Tower Road and travel approximately one mile. The office is on the north side of the road.
How do I contact Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District?
You can reach the park at phone: 218-847-4431 or email: detroitlakes@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
