Naturalist at the Brownsville Overlook

Come enjoy the fall migration at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook on Saturdays and Sundays from November 2 – November 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. These events are part of our 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series!

The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers!

Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers will be posted weekly on the refuge website as we get closer to November: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river

For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am – 3pm during October, and will be open for winter hours Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm starting in November. Closed at noon on Nov. 27, Dec. 24, Dec 31, and on all federal holidays. Photo courtesy of Jerry Weigel.