Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Snelling State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, and Red-bellied Woodpecker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/2026Veterans Memorial Park1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

3/5/2026Minnesota Valley NWR--Bass Ponds1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/3/2026Blue Lake WTP1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/3/2026Colman Lake Trail1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Lake Phalen1 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

3/3/2026Dermatologists1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026Kaposia Landing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

22/26/2026

Barred Owl

12/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/26/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Snelling State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Snelling State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Snelling State Park?
Notable species at Fort Snelling State Park include Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Mallard. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Snelling State Park?
Birding at Fort Snelling State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fort Snelling State Park?
Fort Snelling State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.