Come enjoy the fall migration at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge! A Refuge naturalist will be available on Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 7 through November 22, 2026 from 10am – 2pm, weather permitting. The naturalist will have a spotting scope and bird identification guides to share during these FREE programs to help visitors identify birds and answer questions about the migration. A special event will be hosted at the overlook on Sat. Nov 14 along with the naturalist – more info to come! Programs may be cancelled or end early in inclement weather.
The Brownsville Overlook is one of the best places along the river to view thousands of tundra swans, ducks, pelicans and bald eagles. This roadside pull-off is located about three miles south of Brownsville, MN alongside MN Highway 26.
Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually mid-to-late November. The swans will typically stay about one month or until the river freezes over. Recent bird sightings will be updated weekly on our website – https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river – beginning late October. Even if swans are not yet at peak numbers, their cheerful calls are a celebration in the cooler weather! Many other species of birds are present and each day brings something different.
For more info, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center, 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center is located at N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Open winter hours Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm; closed on federal holidays.
