17788 349th St. SE (Polk County 210)
Erskine MN 56535
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Mississippi Headwaters/Northern Tallgrass Prairie convergence area. It is a key component of the prairie pothole mix of small wetlands surrounded by upland prairies and woodland savannas. This mix of small wetlands and uplands is crucial as a breeding habitat for an array of migratory birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and others. One of the most unique is the Greater Prairie Chicken. (See http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Glacial_Ridge/about.html) Persons interested in using a Blind are asked to call the Refuge Headquarters to see if the date and site they are interested in is available. Not every year is there an accessible blind so people with disabilities are asked to call to inquire about availability (218) 686-4329.
One of the rarest opportunities available to people is the ability to access an accessible blind to view Greater Prairie Chickens dancing while they are taking part in their annual mating ritual. Active only a few short weeks in the spring of the year and then only for a few short hours each day at sun rise persons will have to do some planning to use the blinds. Yearly placement of the blind is dependent on where the Chickens dance so it is not every year the blind is located in an area that can be accessed without being able to walk a long distance to the stand location. Since the blind moves yearly, snow depths vary, and rain can create muddy conditions where it is impossible to create an accessible route for a person with limited mobility or the average person using wheelchairs, unless you possess an all-terrain chair. In order to give persons with disabilities the ability to experience this event, the Refuge does its best to find a site where birds dance close to a roadway that can be accessed by your vehicle where you can unload and have a helper take the vehicle back to a designated parking area. Persons will want to be completely situated prior to 1 hour before sunrise to let the area calm down. The birds will fly in from their rousting areas, congregate and then dance.
It can be cold during this time of year in Northern Minnesota, around freezing, so wear warm clothes, bring blankets, and/or a propane heater. Warm clothes include gloves and a face mask if you have problems with body temperatures due to your type of disability. People may be viewing birds through an open window with a strong cold wind hitting them in the face. Moderate temps get cold when sitting for long periods of time so be cautious. Prior to going to the stand location inform others where you are going and to give them a check in time. These area may have limited phone reception so it is questionable your phone will work. The stand may be on a roadway that does not have very many vehicles passing so ensure people know where you are going so you are not stranded for a long period of time.
Prior to setting up arrangements to visit the blind call the Refuge and ask staff if the chickens have started their yearly dance . Persons interested in using the blind have to make reservations by calling the Refuge at (218) 686-4329. The best option at this time is to call and inform the agent that you are interested in an accessible blind because this can change dependent on many factors discussed above.
Stands are located on Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge at the junction of U.S. Hwy. 2 and Mn Hwy 32. Stand sites vary dependent on many factors so please call the Refuge Headquarters for site locations and whether the site is accessible.
The closest towns are Fertile to the south and Mentor to the east both have food, gas, and a grocer.
The closest sleeping accommodations are located in the cities of Fertile, Red Lake Falls, Crookston, and Fosston. Camping is allowed within many of the smaller towns located along Hwy 2 such as Erskine and McIntosh.