Viking Woods & Lakes
Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area boardwalk Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Birds and bees. Flowers and trees. Naturally. This sample itinerary works best in the spring, summer or fall. You’ll find it on coordinates H-13 on the 2007 Annual Group Travel Map distributed in this issue of Itineraries Minnesota Magazine. 10 – 11:30 am Witness the wonders of more than 150 species of prairie and wetland plants at the Sand Prairie Wildlife
Management Area. Sand Prairie features trails, a marsh boardwalk and an elevated deck with a striking view of the wetlands. During spring, watch migrating birds on their way, in the summer marvel at the monarch butterflies busy siphoning nectar from wild flowers and when autumn happens, observe the fascinating fall migration of birds. Take a short walk or don your hiking shoes to make the one-mile trek across the prairie, and onto the boardwalk to
the observation deck that overlooks the wetlands. Uncommon species include the red-shouldered hawk, and yellow rail. You’ll also see wood ducks, blue heron, robins, finches and a host of other species. 11:30 – 12:30 pm “Early bird” tour lunch at one of our unique restaurants. 12:30 – 1:30 pm Explore another famed area to see fantastic birds and exotic wildflowers at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. The park currently boasts 643 acres of scenic woodlands, prairie and wetlands that include 20 old granite quarries. More than 68 species of birds and an impressive 275 varieties of trees, plants, and wildflowers have been identified at the park including cactus (yes, cactus in Minnesota). Visit one or both unique nature preserves, and be sure to wear good walking shoes, bring your binoculars, camera and field guide. 1:30 – 2:30 pm Get to know how to attract the right birds to your yard with bird products from Wild Birds Unlimited before heading home. For more information or to customize this itinerary contact your tour operator or Jean Robbins at the St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-264-2940 ext. 129.
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