About Santiago's Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County Minnesota is 30,700 acres established to help protect and restore the habitats in the St. Francis River Valley for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The Refuge was established in 1965 and encompasses wetlands, oak savannas and prairie habitats which are home to a vast array of wildlife. It is also one of Minnesota's Important Bird Areas (IBA).

Settled in the 1870s the St. Francis River Basin was known as one of the finest wildlife areas in Minnesota. The small lakes supported large populations of ducks, muskrats, beaver and mink, while the marshes provided an excellent growing environment for wild rice and other wetland plants.

The Refuge lies within a transition zone of two major ecosystems - deciduous hardwood forest and tallgrass prarie. The Oak Savanna in the surrounding upland provided a perfect environment for elk, bison and timber wolves.

While overnight camping and campfires are not permitted at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, there are a great deal of other activities available for us to enjoy at the refuge. Recreation is encouraged, but must be compatible with the wildlife and the land. Hiking, mushroom and berry picking for (personal consumption within 100 feet of the trails), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, canoeing, bicycling along with small game, waterfowl, and big game hunting are also available (some restrictions do apply.)

Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge co-sponsor more than a dozen special events annually. Beginning in January with the Wildlife Film Festival the list includes Winterfest, Spring Clean up, International Migratory Bird Day, National Public Lands Day, Wildlife Festival and the Christmas Bird Count.

From March 1 - August 31st the wildlife sanctuary is closed to all public access. This is to allow the wildlife to breed and raise their young without disturbance from humans. The open areas during this time include: Wildlife Drive (after the eagles hatch in April), the hiking trails, the St. Francis River canoe route and fishing access points. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is open to visitors during daylight hours.