Lake Elmo Regional Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$7 daily vehicle permit

Hours

Open daily, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset

About This Location

Lake Elmo Regional Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/5/202655038, Hugo US-MN (45.1835,-92.9848)3 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

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

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Lake Phalen1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/3/2026WI Home1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/2/20261207 CTH-V, Hudson US-WI 45.03655, -92.738752 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/28/2026Minnesota Valley NWR--Headquarters2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Blue Jay

3/5/2026

American Crow

3/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

3/5/2026

Horned Lark

33/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

3/5/2026

American Robin

3/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

3/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/1/2026

Great Horned Owl

12/28/2026

American Goldfinch

22/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

72/24/2026

Bald Eagle

12/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Elmo Regional Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Elmo Regional Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Elmo Regional Park?
Notable species at Lake Elmo Regional Park include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Blue Jay, American Coot, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkey, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, House Finch. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Elmo Regional Park?
Birding at Lake Elmo Regional Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake Elmo Regional Park?
The entrance fee at Lake Elmo Regional Park is $7 daily vehicle permit. Hours: Open daily, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
What amenities are available at Lake Elmo Regional Park?
Lake Elmo Regional Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.