A True Hidden Gem, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area Is Perfect For Minnesota Nature Lovers
At nearly 25,000 acres and only minutes from the Twin Cities metro, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area should be much more popular than it is. But the fact that it’s often overlooked is precisely what makes Carlos Avery a hidden gem Minnesota nature lovers must explore.
Because it’s not a state park, many people overlook - or don’t know about - all that the WMA has to offer for nature lovers.
Hardwood forests, lakes, marshes, swamps, and grasslands are ready for you to explore.
Many folks enjoy using the waterways, like paddling the Sunrise River, to delve deeper into the SNA. In winter, the lakes and rivers are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well.
Hikers, birders, and paddlers should take note of this and use caution when visiting the WMA during hunting season.
This makes the WMA a beloved destination for birders in the know.
These areas are closed to (human) visitors and all recreational activities, including birding and hunting.
For detailed road and trail conditions, as well as maps of the area, visit the DNR’s Carlos Avery WMA web page. Have you visited Carlos Avery? What other hidden gems in Minnesota should nature lovers know about?
After spending the day at Carlos Avery WMA, stop for dinner at The Old Log Cabin Restaurant in Forest Lake for some stick-to-the-ribs comfort food.
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Address: Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management Area, 5463 W Broadway Ave, Columbus, MN 55025, USA
