About Windom Wetland Management District
Windom Wetland Management District was established in 1990 for the purpose of increasing waterfowl production and to preserve habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered native species and resident wildlife. The district manages approximately 17,000 acres of federal owned waterfowl production areas across a 13 county area in southern Minnesota - lands dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation.Since 2000, the district has also been acquiring and managing roughly 1,500 acres of remnant native prairie tracts as a part of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. These tracts provide critical habitat for grassland birds, such as meadowlark and bobolink, as well as a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and other creatures. In addition, the district oversees thousands of acres of privately-owned wetland and grassland habitat, purchased as permanent easements. Windom Wetland Management District staff also administer the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, which provides technical and financial assistance to restore or improve wildlife habitat on private land.If you are interested in improving wildlife habitat on your property in southwest Minnesota, contact our Private Lands Biologist, Scott Ralston at (507) 831-2220.
How to Get There
The district headquarters is located one mile east of Windom, Minnesota, on County Road 17. Windom lies in the scenic Des Moines River valley of southwestern Minnesota, on Highway 71 a short 18 miles north of interstate 90. Maps to all the waterfowl production areas are available for each county in the district.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Windom Wetland Management District
Heading to Windom 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 Windom Wetland Management District?
No central reservation system listed for Windom Wetland Management District. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1675) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Windom Wetland Management District?
The district headquarters is located one mile east of Windom, Minnesota, on County Road 17. Windom lies in the scenic Des Moines River valley of southwestern Minnesota, on Highway 71 a short 18 miles north of interstate 90. Maps to all the waterfowl production areas are available for each county in the district.
How do I contact Windom Wetland Management District?
You can reach the park at phone: 507-831-2220 or email: WindomWMD@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
