Grassland birding habitat

Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
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

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fort Snelling SP--Visitor Center1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/19/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/18/2026180th St. Marsh (Marshall's Marsh)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

7/18/2026Emery Ave/160th1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Theodore Wirth Park--Golf Course/Chalet1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

7/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

7/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

7/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

7/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

7/19/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

7/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

7/19/2026

Northern House Wren

7/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

European Starling

7/19/2026

Gray Catbird

7/19/2026

American Robin

7/19/2026

American Goldfinch

7/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

7/19/2026

American Redstart

7/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/19/2026

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.