a river with a bridge over it

Lake Elmo Regional Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
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

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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

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/3/202612 Anemone Cir, North Oaks US-MN 45.10352, -93.125061 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/3/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Canoe Launch Area1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/3/2026Lost Valley Prairie SNA1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/3/2026NW of Silver Bell Rd & Hwy 13 - Eagan1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/3/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park5 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park4 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

6/2/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/3/2026

Wood Duck

46/3/2026

Mallard

26/3/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

26/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Green Heron

26/3/2026

Great Egret

26/3/2026

Osprey

26/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/3/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

36/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Northern Flicker

26/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

46/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/3/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/3/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

26/3/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

46/3/2026

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.