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Come for solitude and an uncommon experience
Scientific and Natural Areas are found throughout Minnesota. One is likely nearby your home. You can visit a Scientific and Natural Area to enjoy exceptional natural features with unique plants and animals.
Come for solitude and an uncommon experience. However, most Scientific and Natural Areas do not have trails, restrooms or drinking water, so you will need to come prepared. Some sites have interpretive kiosks to introduce you to key features, but signs and parking do not exist at all sites. We do not have staff on duty at these sites.
Minnesota's natural resources are threatened by a number of invasive species; be informed and help keep them from spreading to natural areas. Please be aware that some sites allow hunting and wearing blaze orange during hunting season is advised. Other sites have special rules regarding entry. Find out about these Natural Area sanctuaries.
Curious how to start and connect to SNAs? We have a curated list of these Minnesota Wild Places you can begin to get to know.
Bird and wildlife watching
Minimal human disturbances make Scientific and Natural Areas a great place to get out and enjoy all of your favorite creatures!
Scientific and Natural Areas recommended for birding
- Avon Hills Forest
- Bluestem Prairie
- Felton Prairie
- Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary
- Lake Alexander Woods
- McGregor Marsh
- Minnesota Point Pine Forest
- Red Lake Peatland
- Two Rivers Aspen Parkland
- Uncas Dunes
Scientific and Natural Areas recommended for wildlife watching
- Bluestem Prairie
- Cedar Mountain
- Felton Prairie
- Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary
- Kasota Prairie
- Kellogg-Weaver Dunes
- Lake Alexander Woods
- Lost 40
- Pembina Trail
- Prairie Bush Clover
- Red Lake Peatland
- Uncas Dunes
What to bring and resources
- Natural Area bird checklist
- Binoculars or spotting scopes
- Field guides
- Camera
- Diary and pen/pencil
- Water and snacks
- DNR Wildlife viewing
- Bird watching tips for beginners
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and get outdoors. Most Scientific and Natural Areas do not have maintained trails; you will likely need to find your own path. With that in mind, bringing a compass or GPS along is recommended. Cell service may be limited or not exist at some Scientific and Natural Areas.
Scientific and Natural Areas recommended for hiking
- Bluestem Prairie
- Bonanza Prairie
- Cherry Grove Blind Valley
- Greenwater Lake
- Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary
- King's and Queen's Bluffs
- Lost 40
- Lutsen
- Minnesota Point Pine Forest
- Prairie Bush Clover
- Prairie Coteau
- Wood-Rill
What to bring and resources
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Map, compass, and/or GPS
- Sun screen and bug spray
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Water and snacks
- Bag or pack to bring all belongings in and back out
- Hiking Safety
- Recreation Compass
Nature photography and video
Scientific and Natural Areas are renowned for their undisturbed beauty. Photogenic subjects found in Scientific and Natural Areas include wildflowers; wildlife; breath-taking sunsets and sunrises; rivers, lakes, and the occasional waterfall; and many of Minnesota's native plant communities. Be sure to share your photos on the Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas' Facebook page or in the Flickr group.
Scientific and Natural Areas recommended for photography and video
- Bluestem Prairie (prairie grasses/prairie wildlife)
- Boot Lake (bird diversity)
- Botany Bog (bog plants/spring ephemerals)
- Cannon River Turtle Preserve (winding river)
- Iona's Beach (Lake Superior)
- Iron Horse Prairie (prairie wildflowers)
- Lost 40 (old-growth pines)
- Lost Lake Peatland (lakeshore/bog plants)
- Lutsen (spring ephemerals/fall colors)
- Minnesota Point Pine Forest (Lake Superior/old-growth pines)
- Prairie Coteau (rolling hills/prairie wildflowers/big sky)
- Townsend Woods (fall colors/spring ephemerals)
- National Geographic's ethics in wildlife photography and filmmaking
- Audubon's ethical bird photography
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Scientific and Natural Areas are open all year round—bring your snowshoes or skis with you in the winter! Exploring Natural Areas in the winter can be a serene and otherworldly experience. As with hiking, most Natural Areas do not have maintained trails for skiing. Most parking areas and access roads are not regularly maintained in the winter.
Scientific and Natural Areas recommended for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- Bonanza Prairie
- Grey Cloud Dunes
- Lutsen (a ski trail passes through this site)
- Mille Lacs Moraine
- Purvis Lake-Ober Foundation
- Sand Lake Peatland
- St. Croix Savanna
- Wild Indigo
Not Allowed at Any Scientific and Natural Areas
No camping and campfires
Restrictions on camping and campfires help protect native plant communities. In many instances, public camping facilities are available nearby. See where camping and campfires are allowed at Minnesota State Parks.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550, Subpart 1. (Letter A and B)
No collecting plants, animals, rocks and fossils
Leave plants, animals, rocks, and other natural elements (this includes shed deer antlers) in place to fulfill their life cycle and role in the environment. Scientists may be allowed collections through a permit. Berry and mushroom picking are allowed at some sites with specific regulations. See below for details.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0400, Subpart 2.
No geocaching and orienteering
Geocaching and orienteering are prohibited on Scientific and Natural Areas. Restrictions on these activities help protect sensitive native plant communities and other features. Earthcaching, an activity that does not place physical objects on a site, is allowed by permit.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550, Subpart 1. (Letter L)
No organized athletic or social events
Scientific and Natural Areas are not intended for intensive recreational activities or social events such as weddings. Restrictions on organized events help protect native plant communities and wildlife.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550, Subpart 1. (Letter L)
No rock climbing
Rock climbing for sport, including bouldering, is prohibited on Scientific and Natural Areas. Restrictions on rock climbing help protect unique rock formations and associated native plant communities. See rock climbing opportunities on other lands at Mountain Project.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550, Subpart 1. (Letter L)
No technologies
Scientific and Natural Areas are places to experience Minnesota's natural features in an undisturbed state. Technologies that may disrupt nature features (drones*, trail cameras, etc.) are discouraged. Contact us.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550
*Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550, Subpart 1. (Letter H)
No vehicles
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Scientific and Natural Areas outside of designated parking areas. Individuals with mobility disabilities may apply, by permit, to be granted motorized access. (ATVs and snowmobiles are allowed on specific Scientific and Natural Areas, see lists below) Restrictions on vehicles help protect native plant communities and wildlife. Check out opportunities offered by the DNR for biking, off-highway vehicle riding and snowmobiling.
Complete Administrative Rule: MR 6136.0550, Subpart 1. (Letter G and H)
Sanctuaries (Restricted Entry)
Find out about special rules regarding Scientific and Natural Area sanctuaries
Allowed at Specific Scientific and Natural Areas
Activities such as hunting, biking, snowmobiling, and dogs are typically not allowed on Scientific and Natural Areas. See special cases listed below where these activities are allowed and at which Natural Area.
ATVs
Restrictions on ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) help protect sensitive plant communities and guard against the introduction of invasive species. ATVs must remain on designated trail.
ATVs allowed at
- Hovland Woods (Boyd Road Trail and Stevens Spur)
- McGregor Marsh (Soo Line North ATV Trail)
- Potato Lake (Horseshoe Forest Trail, check for closures in George Washington State Forest)
Berry and mushroom picking
On the Scientific and Natural Areas listed below, berry picking is allowed for non-commercial, personal use only. Mushroom picking is only allowed at one natural area. Berry and mushroom picking at sites other than those listed violates the administrative rule prohibiting collection of natural features on Scientific and Natural Areas: MR 6136.0400, Subpart 2.
Berry picking allowed at
Biking
Bike trails pass through or adjoin some Scientific and Natural Areas. Bikes are allowed only on trails designated for that purpose. Restrictions on bikes help protect sensitive plant communities and guard against the introduction of invasive species.
Biking allowed at
- Avon Hills Forest (Lake Wobegon Trail )
- Cannon River Turtle Preserve (Cannon Valley Trail )
- Hemlock Ravine (Willard Munger State Trail)
- Hovland Woods (Boyd Road Trail and Stevens Spur and Tom Lake/Tower Road)
- Iona's Beach (Gitchi Gami State Trail)
- Pine Bend Bluffs (Mississippi River Regional Trail )
- River Terrace Prairie (Cannon Valley Trail )
- Seminary Fen (Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail )
- Wood-Rill (Luce Line State Trail)
Dogs
Dogs can be great companions; however, unleashed and uncontrolled dogs disturb ground-nesting birds, other wildlife and fellow visitors. Restrictions on dogs also help to protect against the introduction of invasive species. Specific conditions may apply, but please always pick up after your dog and assure the dog is under your control so it doesn't disturb wildlife or fellow visitors.
Dogs allowed at
- Antelope Valley (only when used for hunting, must be under control)
- Big Island (only when used for hunting)
- Black Lake Bog
- Boltuck-Rice Forever Wild (must be under control)
- Cannon River Turtle Preserve
- Cedar Rock (must be under control, must be leashed from April 16-July 14)
- Dinner Creek (must be under control)
- Gustafson's Camp
- Hovland Woods
- Icelandite Coastal Fen (on leash on the Superior Hiking Trail only)
- Kawishiwi Pines (only when dog sledding on trail)
- La Salle Lake (must be under control when used for hunting, otherwise leashed)
- Lester Lake (only when used for hunting)
- Little Too Much Lake (must be under control, allowed when used for hunting)
- Lost 40
- Lost Lake Peatland
- Lutsen
- Mille Lacs Moraine (must be under control, allowed when used for hunting)
- Mississippi Oxbow (on leash or under control)
- Minnesota Point Pine Forest (on leash only)
- Moose Mountain (must be under control)
- Mound Prairie
- Mound Spring Prairie (only when used for hunting, must be under control)
- Myhr Creek Ridge
- North Black River Peatland
- Pine Bend Bluffs (on leash only, and only on Mississippi River Regional Trail)
- Potato Lake (must be under control, allowed when used for hunting)
- Prairie Bush Clover (only on trail)
- Prairie Coteau (only when used for hunting, must be under control)
- River Warren Outcrops (only when used for hunting, must be under control)
- Rushford Sand Barrens
- Santee Prairie (only when used for hunting)
- Savage Fen (on leash only)
- Spring Beauty Northern Hardwoods
- Two Rivers Aspen Parkland
- Uncas Dunes
- Wabu Woods (only when used for hunting)
- Watrous Island (must be under control)
- Wood-Rill (on leash only)
- Yellow Bank Hills (only when used for hunting, must be under control)
Fishing
Non-toxic tackle is encouraged on all Scientific and Natural Areas open to fishing. You are also encouraged to use artificial lures to decrease the risk of spreading invasive species (ex. earthworms and non-native minnows). While fishing in a Scientific and Natural Area, you must have a valid fishing license: see fishing regulations handbook for details on seasons and licenses. Please be aware that only a handful of Scientific and Natural Areas allow watercraft (see watercraft list further down)—in most cases you can fish from the shore.
Fishing allowed at
- Big Island (shore fishing)
- Black Lake Bog
- East Rat Root River Peatland
- Hastings
- Hole in the Bog Peatland
- Iona's Beach (shore fishing)
- Iron Springs Bog (trout fishing only)
- La Salle Lake
- Lawrence Creek (no live bait)
- Lester Lake (non-motorized, catch-and-release fishing only)
- Little Too Much Lake
- Lost Lake Peatland (shore fishing)
- Lost River Peatland
- Luxemberg Peatland
- Mille Lacs Moraine
- Mississippi Oxbow
- Mulligan Lake Peatland
- Myrtle Lake Peatland
- Norris Camp Peatland
- North Black River Peatland
- Pine Creek Peatland
- Potato Lake
- Red Lake Peatland
- River Warren Outcrops
- Sand Lake Peatland
- Savage Fen
- Seminary Fen
- South Black River Peatland
- Sprague Creek Peatland
- Twin Lakes
- Watrous Island
- West Rat Root River Peatland
- Winter Road Lake Peatland
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is allowed at Wolsfeld Woods and Uncas Dunes, on specified trails. Horseback riding is allowed at River Warren Outcrops only on trails and open seasonally May 15 through October 15, when conditions allow. Restrictions on horseback riding help protect sensitive plant communities, guard against the introduction of invasive species and minimize erosion.
Hunting and trapping
Regulations on hunting and trapping are specific to individual Scientific and Natural Areas. Please consult these lists carefully and see the hunting and trapping regulations for details.
Portable stands and elevated scaffold may be used in Scientific and Natural Areas open to hunting if they are removed each day at the close of shooting hours and do not damage trees or other vegetation. Nails, spikes, screws or other devices that damage the bark of trees are prohibited.
Non-toxic ammunition is required on all Scientific and Natural Areas open to hunting with firearms listed below, excluding some peatland SNAs. Non-toxic ammunition helps protect both hunters and wildlife from lead poisoning.
For your safety and others wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Rules vary by site to address specific management needs.Deer hunting only allowed at
- Avon Hills Forest (only by archery)
- Brownsville Bluff
- Cedar Mountain (only by archery)
- Chisholm Point Island (only by archery)
- Felton Prairie (Bicentennial Unit only)
- Gully Fen (only by archery)
- Hemlock Ravine (only muzzleloader by permit through Jay Cooke State Park) varies year to year
- Iron Springs Bog
- Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary (firearms only, including muzzleloader season) varies year to year
- King's and Queen's Bluffs (only by permit through Great River Bluffs State Park) varies year to year
- Lake Alexander Woods (only select units of site, see map for details)
- Lawrence Creek (only by archery)
- Moose Mountain (only by archery and firearm on specific dates, see regulations) varies year to year
- Prairie Creek Woods (only muzzleloader by permit through Nerstrand Big Woods State Park) varies year to year
- Prairie Smoke Dunes (only antlerless)
- Zumbro Falls Woods (either sex by permit) varies year to year
Waterfowl hunting only allowed at
All hunting allowed at
- Antelope Valley
- Badoura Jack Pine Woodland
- Black Lake Bog
- Boltuck-Rice Forever Wild
- Caldwell Brook Cedar Swamp
- Cannon River Turtle Preserve
- Cedar Rock
- Dinner Creek
- Franconia Bluffs
- Gustafson's Camp
- Hovland Woods
- Joseph A. Tauer Prairie
- La Salle Lake
- Ladies Tresses Swamp
- Lester Lake
- Little Too Much Lake
- Lost 40
- Lutsen (only deer hunting allowed within Scherer Conservation Unit )
- McGregor Marsh
- Mille Lacs Moraine
- Mississippi Oxbow
- Mound Prairie (only on unit north of Highway 16)
- Mound Spring Prairie
- Myhr Creek Ridge
- Potato Lake
- Prairie Coteau
- River Warren Outcrops
- Rushford Sand Barrens
- Santee Prairie
- Savage Fen (only by archery)
- Seminary Fen (only by archery)
- Spring Beauty Northern Hardwoods
- St. Wendel Tamarack Bog
- Two Rivers Aspen Parkland
- Uncas Dunes
- Wabu Woods
- Watrous Island
- Yellow Bank Hills
All hunting allowed at the following Peatland SNAs
Non-toxic ammunition is not required, except as noted.
- East Rat Root River Peatland
- Hole in the Bog Peatland (except no waterfowl hunting on Hole in the Bog Lake, which is a waterfowl refuge)
- Lost Lake Peatland (Non-toxic ammunition is required on portions of site)
- Lost River Peatland
- Luxemberg Peatland
- Mulligan Lake Peatland
- Myrtle Lake Peatland
- Norris Camp Peatland
- North Black River Peatland
- Pine Creek Peatland
- Red Lake Peatland
- Sand Lake Peatland (Non-toxic ammunition is required on portions of site)
- South Black River Peatland
- Sprague Creek Peatland
- West Rat Root River Peatland
- Winter Road Lake Peatland
Although legislatively established as ecologically significant sites, the state owns no lands at Nett Lake Peatland or Wawina Peatland.
Trapping allowed at
- Antelope Valley
- Badoura Jack Pine Woodland
- Black Lake Bog
- Cedar Rock
- Dinner Creek
- East Rat Root River Peatland
- Gustafson's Camp
- Hole in the Bog Peatland
- Joseph A. Tauer Prairie
- La Salle Lake
- Lester Lake
- Lost Lake Peatland
- Lost River Peatland
- Luxemberg Peatland
- Mississippi Oxbow
- Mound Spring Prairie
- Mulligan Lake Peatland
- Myrtle Lake Peatland
- Norris Camp Peatland
- North Black River Peatland
- Pine Creek Peatland
- Prairie Coteau
- Red Lake Peatland
- River Warren Outcrops
- Sand Lake Peatland
- Santee Prairie
- South Black River Peatland
- Sprague Creek Peatland
- Watrous Island
- West Rat Root River Peatland
- Winter Road Lake Peatland
- Yellow Bank Hills
Picnicking
When picnicking, please be sure to leave the area as you found it: do not litter or leave any food behind. There are no facilities on Scientific and Natural Areas; no bathrooms, no water and no trash cans. Campfires are not allowed on Scientific and Natural Areas. Please plan accordingly.
Picnicking allowed at
- Hovland Woods
- Lutsen (only on designated snowmobile trail)
- Moose Mountain
- Myhr Creek Ridge
- Pine and Curry Island (only within designated shore lunch area)
- Pine Bend Bluffs (only at trailhead facilities for Mississippi River Regional Trail )
- Spring Beauty Northern Hardwoods
Snowmobiling
Some Scientific and Natural Areas have designated snowmobile trails that run through or adjacent to them. Snowmobiles must remain on the designated trails. Restrictions on snowmobiling help protect sensitive native plant communities and reduce disturbance to wildlife active in the winter.
Snowmobiling allowed at
- Brownsville Bluff (Snowmobile Trail 134: Gopherland)
- East Rat Root River Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 62: Arrowhead State Trail)
- Greenwater Lake (Snowmobile Trail 275: Northwoods Reapers)
- Gully Fen (Snowmobile Trail 285: Clearwater Blazer)
- Hastings Sand Coulee (Snowmobile Trail 123: Dakota County)
- Hole in the Bog Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 93: Cass County)
- Hovland Woods (Boyd Road Trail and Stevens Spur )
- Kawishiwi Pines (on established trail)
- Lost Lake Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 62: Arrowhead State Trail and Snowmobile Trail 204: Iron Ore)
- Lost River Peatland (Forest Road 246 and Forest Road 248: on established trail)
- Lutsen (Snowmobile Trail 109: Lutsen Access)
- Luxemberg Peatland (on established trail)
- McGregor Marsh (Snowmobile Trail 82: Palisade Trail)
- Moose Mountain (only on powerline right-of-way)
- Mulligan Lake Peatland (on established trail)
- Myrtle Lake Peatland (on established trail)
- Norris Camp Peatland (on established trail)
- North Black River Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 305: Haggerman Voyager Lowman)
- Pine and Curry Islands (Snowmobile Trail 6: Big Traverse)
- Pine Creek Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 288: Roseaublazers/BISF #1)
- Potato Lake (Snowmobile Trail 147: Marcell Trails)
- Prairie Bush Clover (Snowmobile Trail 112: Cottonwood and Jackson County)
- Purvis Lake-Ober Foundation (Snowmobile Trail 61: Taconite State Trail)
- Red Lake Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 86: Fourtown Grygla/BISF #2)
- South Black River Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 282: Border)
- Sprague Creek Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 288: Roseaublazers/BISF #1)
- Two Rivers Aspen Parkland (Snowmobile Trail 288: Roseaublazers/BISF #1)
- Uncas Dunes (Snowmobile Trail 209: Sherburne County)
- West Rat Root River Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 305: Haggerman Voyager Lowman)
- Winter Road Peatland (Snowmobile Trail 288: Roseaublazers/BISF #1)
Swimming
Swimming allowed at:
- Iona's Beach
- Pine and Curry Island (only within designated shore lunch area).
- Mississippi Oxbow
- Watrous Island
Watercraft
When using watercraft at Scientific and Natural Areas, please be mindful not to disturb native vegetation or shorelines. While motorized watercraft are allowed on the sites below, it is strongly recommended use of non-motorized watercraft when visiting these Scientific and Natural Areas. Restrictions on watercraft help protect against introduction of invasive species and damage to sensitive shorelines. Please practice safe boating principles.
Motorized watercraft allowed at
- Boltuck-Rice Forever Wild
- Burntside Islands
- Clinton Falls Dwarf Trout Lily
- Hastings
- La Salle Lake
- Lester Lake (access through Lester Lake Aquatic Management Area, electric motors only)
- Little Too Much Lake
- Mississippi Oxbow
- Potato Lake
- Watrous Island
Non-motorized watercraft only allowed at
- Black Lake Bog
- Clear Lake (canoe only)
Most SNAs are accessible by road, but some may require a boat or a significant hike. Maps on this website are intended for directional use only and do not show precise legal boundaries. SNAs are intended to give you an opportunity to experience undisturbed natural conditions. Thus, signs and parking may not exist at individual sites.
A special use permit may be required for non-research related uses (research related information) on Scientific and Natural Areas. These uses may include, but are not limited to, large groups, classes or organized activities; some types management work or entrance into sanctuaries (see above); and drone or trail camera use. You may be asked to report or share results of allowed special uses.