Rydell National Wildlife Refuge protects about 2,200 acres of grassland, wetland and woodland habitat. The Tamarac Lake Trail loops around the lake of the same name; an accessible fishing pier along the trail offers the opportunity to fish. This gives you both a lakeside walk and a specific place to fish, without suggesting that the entire trail is accessible just because the pier is.
Prairies, Wetlands and Wildlife Viewing
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge also shows how varied the landscape is: its prairies and wetlands attract numerous remarkable bird species. Possible sightings include prairie chickens, upland sandpipers and western prairie fringed orchids. Which species you see may vary by season. You can reserve a viewing blind for prairie chicken watching through the Crookston Chamber of Commerce. Check availability and seasonal dates before your trip.
The Red River Valley Natural History Area covers about 85 acres of prairie, aspen woodland, cottonwood woodland, willow swamp and cattail marsh. Nature trails wind through the different habitats. Educational groups can experience the area’s plant and animal life; visits must be arranged in advance. In Fertile, the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center brings together natural history, conservation education, outdoor recreation and environmental education—another way to engage with nature not just as a landscape, but also from a learning and recreation perspective.
Trails for Walking, Cycling and Exploring
The Fosston FIT (Fosston Inspiration Trail) is a growing network of paved trails designed for walking, cycling and running. Two loops have been completed: one runs around the cemetery, and the other is near the softball complex. These two locations give you a concrete sense of how the trail network in Fosston is expanding, without implying that the loops form one continuous route.
The East Grand Forks Walking Tour offers another way to explore history: its geo-points can be reached by car or bicycle. If you prefer to combine your exploration with a set activity, you can distinguish this tour from the trails in Fosston. You can choose between the offerings based on your interests and preferred mode of transportation, without needing to follow a particular order.
Buildings, Exhibits and Local Art
At the Polk County Museum, you can encounter history in a building with a past of its own: the museum is housed in the Polk County Courthouse, built in 1899. The original judge’s bench and courtroom have been preserved; on March 9, 1982, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. On the ground floor, the museum features an exhibit on prehistoric bison bones, as well as exhibits on Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the military, outdoor recreation and a pioneer town. The displays offer a view ranging from the history of the courthouse to different aspects of regional life.
The East Polk Heritage Center in Melland Park comprises four historic buildings. The L. W. Larson House is open for tours during the winter months; the two cabins and the schoolhouse are open during the summer months. Since access is seasonal, check the dates before your visit. The different opening periods can also help you choose what to focus on: in winter, tours of the Larson House; in summer, the cabins and schoolhouse.
In Fosston, the Aurora Center for the Arts operates the art spaces at the Fosston Library & Arts Center. They include the Sorenson Gallery, a theater, classrooms, studios, offices and rehearsal spaces. The Sorenson Gallery features rotating exhibitions by regional and local artists, which typically change every two to three months. If you’re especially interested in art, check which exhibition is currently on view before visiting.
A Culinary Event
Taste of Crookston brings together regional vendors selling food and gives visitors the chance to vote for their favorites. This culinary event is part of the Ox Cart Days tradition. Since event details are seasonal, check the dates before your trip.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: East Grand Forks, Crookston, Fosston, Todd County, Nicollet County, Lake Of The Woods County, Douglas County, Chickasaw County
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