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

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/21/2026Watermark Lake Park Fishing Pier3 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/21/2026Hudson Blvd - Agriculture Pond1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/21/2026140th St. Marsh2 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/21/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/21/2026Kinnickinnic SP1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

7/20/2026Linwood Park1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

7/20/2026Watermark Retention Pond4 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/19/2026Watermark Retention Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/21/2026

Blue Jay

17/21/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/21/2026

American Robin

17/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/21/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

17/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/21/2026

Tree Swallow

17/21/2026

American Goldfinch

37/21/2026

Field Sparrow

27/21/2026

Song Sparrow

27/21/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/21/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/21/2026

Ovenbird

17/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/21/2026

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.