Open prairie along the Red River and wooded stretches shape the landscape along the Kittson County Trail. The Kittson County Trail runs through the entire county and connects Lake Bronson State Park with Pelan and the McTrail System Trails. Along the route, you’ll find flat prairie along the Red River and wooded stretches with deer, elk, and other wildlife. The landscape is not a uniform plain, but a changing mix of wide-open spaces and wooded areas.

Prairie, Forest, and Wildlife Viewing

Nearby, the Norway Dunes offer a different landscape: oak savanna and dunes shaped by Glacial Lake Agassiz. Birds are also part of the county’s natural landscape. Kittson County is designated an Important Bird Area, and at least 262 bird species live there.

Those interested in elk have two different viewing opportunities. Skull Lake WMA includes more than 7,000 acres of elk habitat; fall in particular can offer good viewing from a vehicle or on foot. Elk live year-round in the 13,700-acre Caribou WMA. They can be spotted from a vehicle or while hiking in the wildlife management area. Comparing the two can help with planning: fall is especially highlighted for Skull Lake, while elk live in Caribou WMA year-round.

The Kittson County Trail connects different landscapes and routes: it runs through the county and is connected to Lake Bronson State Park, Pelan, and the McTrail System Trails. If you plan to use the trail, check local conditions. A paved bike trail also connects the Kittson County Museum with Lake Bronson State Park.

Park History and Museum Finds

Lake Bronson State Park was established as part of a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression. Today, its amenities include a large sandy beach for swimming and summer recreation. The combination of park history and beach makes it a varied destination, where historical development and summer relaxation come together.

For a different perspective on the past, visit the Kittson County Museum and its complex of historic buildings. It includes a Soo Line depot, a railroad baggage car, a country schoolhouse, a country church, and a log cabin. The Gateway Motel & Museum at the southern end of Hallock features unusual collection items, including signed autographs from baseball players, Fidel Castro, and Frank Sinatra, as well as license plates from 49 states. Check which exhibits are on display before visiting.

Hallock and Its Events

Events also give a trip a seasonal focus: Hallock hosts the Kittson County Fair in July, and the community celebrates Rib Fest in late summer. If you’d like to plan your visit around either event, check the dates in advance. This lets you consider the festivals as a reason for your trip alongside the landscapes, museums, and wildlife viewing.

Hallock is also home to the Two River Golf Course, a 9-hole course. Its operating hours vary, so confirm them before your visit. There’s something for different interests: open landscapes and wildlife, the history of the park and museums, seasonal events, or a round of golf.

Discover more destinations: Lake Bronson, Hallock, Wadena County, Marquette, Scott, Kanabec County, Dodge County, and Cottonwood County.

See the broader travel guide: Minnesota.