Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
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The Rydell National Wildlife Refuge is an 2,120-acre (9 km²) National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Minnesota, located just south of Erskine. It was established in 1992, and receives more than 7,800 visitors each year. The refuge is a combination of maple/basswood/oak forest, wetlands, tallgrass prairie and bogs. At least 19 old farmsteads make up the refuge lands. Five partial log buildings remain.
The refuge has seven miles (11 km) of trail, five of which are paved. Electric golf carts are available for the diabled. Rydell NWR provides an annual deer hunt for people with disabilities which accommodates nearly 20 hunters. The refuge provides an opportunity for hiking, snowshoeing cross-country skiing, wildlife observation and photography, as well as environmental education and interpretation.
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge's objectives include:
- Provide nesting, feeding and resting habitat for waterfowl and other migratory woodland and grassland birds
- Serve as a regional destination for environmental education opportunities
- Provide woodland and prairie habitat for resident wildlife
- Provide opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation
