 Enjoy fishing, paddling or birding at Signalness (Mountain) Lake. PHOTO: Lucas Olson, 10/8/23.
From forest to prairie to a crystal clear spring-fed lake, this park offers a variety of scenery.
Many species of prairie and woodland birds make their home at Glacial Lakes State Park. Take the Prairie-Woodland Interpretive Trail or visit marshland areas to see a variety of bird and mammal life. Squirrels, deer, beaver, wood ducks, raccoons, pileated woodpeckers and occasionally coyotes can be seen. Watch for waterfowl and wildlife at the beach, with a view of the spring-fed waters of Signalness (Mountain) Lake.
True to its name, Glacial Lakes State Park features evidence of glaciers from a very distant chapter of state history. The 10- to 19-mile-wide band of glacial hills shows the path of glacial ice advancement, shearing hills and bluffs down to the bedrock, and leaving rocks, gravel and dirt. Today, prairie grasses add a sprinkle of color to fall landscape, like those along Mardy’s Trail.
Commonly found throughout Minnesota, the cedar waxwing is on the birding checklist for 73 of 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
 PHOTO: Connie Cox
Look for cedar waxwings in wooded areas of all kinds, and at orchards or gardens where they will find fruit and berries. These birds are known for their high-pitched, trilling calls that they use for communication. They are social birds and often vocalize while perched in flocks. If you see one cedar waxwing, there are likely more nearby, as they travel in flocks year round. Cedar waxwings are a favorite of birders because of their distinctive appearance, graceful and acrobatic flight patterns, and sociable nature.
While some populations migrate to the southeastern United States in the winter, not all will migrate. It's less common to see cedar waxwings in Minnesota in winter, but they are common in spring, summer and fall.
 Who's watching who?
There have been many reports of deer sightings at Wild River State Park. In this photo, the deer are watching as closely as the photographer.
 PHOTO: Jenna Martin, taken 10/7/23 at Wild River State Park.
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