Are you looking for a fun spring outdoor adventure with endless bird-watching opportunities? Consider planning a trip to the Willmar Lakes Area in western Minnesota. Travel two hours west out of the Twin Cities, and before you know it, you will be greeted by small-town charm and a sprawling countryside full of birding opportunities. It may seem like just another rural prairie community to the naked eye. But head out on the rural roads and trails with binoculars, and the area offers many birding haunts full of activity. Along this central migrating flyway, you can spot many species, from the Minnesota Prairie Bird List, that nest in the area.
As the trees begin to bud and marshes come alive along the trails and roads in Kandiyohi County, birders and cyclists will find a special place to visit.
A perfect spring bike-bird location in western Minnesota
Species to check off your list when bike-bird opportunities arise in the Willmar Area
Besides the Red Crossbill sighted around the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar, many parks along the trail are also worth checking out. Some of the great birding haunts in the area include Sibley State Park, Mason Lake State Park, the Prairiewood Environmental Learning Center, and a couple of Big Kandiyohi Lake County Parks, easily accessible from the Glacial Lake State Trail. When visiting, here are some of the other birds you may see to check off your list: the Short-eared Owl, Townsend’s Solitaire, Long-eared Owl, Black-throated Green Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Snowy Egret, Common Gallinule, Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Screech-Owl, White-winged Crossbill, and a Long-tailed Duck.
Getting around on your bike in Willmar is more than encouraging. Awarded the Bike Friendly Bronze status by the League of American Cyclists, the community has redesigned its streets and inner-city trails to make it easy to pedal around and explore the area’s attractions and parks.
Getting around Willmar with your bike and binoculars
While biking, this is also an excellent area for bird enthusiasts. Sibley State Park is one of the most popular areas, so bring your binoculars and camera. Around the park, you will have a chance to see many of the 206 different species of birds that nest or migrate through the area. And with the Glacial Trail, getting out to the park by bike from your Place of Stay in the Willmar Lakes Area is easy.
About the Glacial Lakes State Trail
Built on a former Burlington Northern railroad line, the trail is generally level and wheelchair accessible. The path is paved for 22 miles between Willmar, Spicer, New London, Hawick, and the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line. This multi-use bike corridor offers many opportunities to see wildflowers and wildlife along the way—a perfect route to reach Sibley State Park and Mount Tom.
Sibley State Park and Mount Tom
Once you get to the state park, hike up Mount Tom. It’s worth the walk and will give you a birds-eye view of the area. On a clear day at the summit, enjoy an eyeshot of forest, farmland, prairie knolls, and lakes in a patchwork setting. In addition to prime birding activities in the park, they offer several interpretive programs throughout the year.
Nearly two miles of paved trails link Lakeview Campground and the Interpretive Center in the park. Another favorite haunt with a slight elevation change is the Pond View Trail loop, which offers more birding opportunities.
Other parks and trails
It is easy for everyone to enjoy the outdoors in Willmar and the surrounding area. With several parks offering recreational activities and trails, those who visit by bike will find plenty of places to pedal, including Bergquist Park, Ramblewood Park, Rau Park (Scott Park), Thompson Park, and Swansson Park. You can also reach Robbins Island Park and the park at Green Lake from the trail.
Rural road bike-bird opportunities
Kandiyohi County offers plenty of bike-friendly roads, paved and gravel, to help you navigate the area’s spring bird population. Helping you reach marshy haunts and wildlife areas popular with several bird species.
More about the bike-friendly Willmar Lakes Area
When you are not riding, the area also offers plenty of fun indoor attractions for relaxing. Along with several museums covering different parts of Minnesota’s history, enjoy a refreshing beverage or snack after your ride as you take a break from outdoor activities in this scenic prairie-lake area.