Every Year, Thousands Of Swans Fill Up This Minnesota Park, And It’s Nothing Short Of Spectacular
There are many places to see wildlife in Minnesota. People interested in wolves may visit the International Wolf Center in Ely. In Orr, the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest black bear sanctuary in the world. Hawk Ridge in Duluth and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha both offer views of wild birds. And all across the state, you’re likely to spot deer, foxes, loons, moose, and many other animals native to Minnesota. Today, we want to add another amazing place to see wildlife to the list: the Swan Park in Monticello, Minnesota. Here, thousands of swans spend their winter on the Mississippi River. It’s easy and free to visit, and it’s well worth a trip in the winter. Take a look:
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It all started in March 1986, when two trumpeter swans arrived at the Mississippi River in Monticello. A local resident began feeding the swans before they left for their breeding grounds.
By now, the area draws thousands of trumpeter swans. Other types of swans, such as mute swans and tundra swans, are also spotted here at times. Ducks and geese are also common.
The swans spend the winter at the park, where the water never freezes because of power plants upstream. They stay until early March, when it's time to fly south to their breeding grounds.
Monticello's Swan Park is a beautiful place to visit in the winter. The sight of thousands of swans gliding through the water is unlike anything else you'll see in Minnesota.
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
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