Visit Wilderness

Search for a wilderness as the destination for your next outdoor adventure.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, Minnesota

Why Visit Wilderness?

While wilderness can be appreciated from afar—through online content, television, or books—nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. Activities like camping, hiking, or hunting allow you to fully enjoy the recreational, ecological, spiritual, and health benefits that wilderness areas offer. These areas provide “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation,” chances to observe wildlife, moments to renew and refresh, and the physical benefits of outdoor exercise. In many wilderness areas, you can even bring your well-behaved dog.

Learn more about the diverse ways in which we benefit from wilderness and threats wilderness areas face today.

There is a special feeling of wildness about this place, Tamarac, best expressed by the eerie howl of a wolf, the mournful wail of a loon, or the drumming of a ruffed grouse from deep within the forest. Tamarac Wilderness is located within the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in the glacial lake country of northwestern Minnesota. It was established as a refuge breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Tamarac is a land of rolling forested hills interspersed with lakes, rivers, marshes, bogs, and shrub swamps. The token of the Wilderness is the Tamarack tree, a deciduous conifer that turns brilliant gold before losing its needles each fall. This Wilderness consists of four sections within the refuge: three islands in Tamarac Lake and a larger section in the northwest corner. Here you will find stands of mature white pines.

Historically, the area was a prized hunting, fishing, pricing, and maple sugaring area for Native American tribes. The Sioux once controlled the region followed by the Ojibwe. Today the northern half of the refuge lies within the original White Earth Indian Reservation established in 1867. Tribal members continue to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest herbs, berries, and wild rice in the Wilderness and refuge.

Tamarac lies in the heart of one of the most diverse transition zones in North America, where northern hardwood, coniferous forests, and the tall grass prairie converge. This diversity of habitat brings with it a wealth of wildlife. There are over 250 species of birds and 50 species of mammals. Spring in the area attracts a magnificent warbler migration and fall is highlighted with an abundance of waterfowl including more than 15,000 ring-necked ducks at its peak. Bald eagles are common and wolves are occasionally seen. Tamarac is one of the premier production areas for trumpeter swans in the lower 48 states. Tamarac Wilderness also provides critical nesting habitat for golden-winged warblers, a Species of Concern whose population has declined steadily over the past 35 years due to loss of habitat. Other wildlife include black bears, porcupines, mink, fish, otter, and beaver.

With the brilliant fall colors of aspen, maple, oak, birch, and tamarack interspersed with evergreens, Autumn is a beautiful time to experience the Tamarac. The Wilderness has multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty, including the Discovery Center Trail and the Pine Lake Loop Trail.

General Trip Planning Information

The designated public use area is open year round from 5:00 am-10:00 pm. The lands designated as sanctuary area are accessible September through February. This includes the 2000 acre wilderness tract in the northern part of the refuge.
While preparing to explore the refuge and its wilderness areas, visitor should be mindful of these important tips:

Bring insect spray as there are biting ticks, flies and mosquitoes. Lyme disease is prevalent in this part of the state. Wear a hat and sunscreen as well.

While hiking, skiing or snowshoeing bring your own water and drink plenty of it. One can easily become dehydrated in any season.

Because of refuge's size and landscape one can become easily disoriented and lost. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Cell phone reception may be poor in some locations.

Don't forget your binoculars, field guides and camera.

Pets are welcome, however must be leashed or kept under control at all times. Trapping does occur on portions of the refuge for wildlife management purposes through the winter months and pets, especially dogs, could unintentionally be caught.

Recreational Opportunities

Visitors to Tamarac can experience and enjoy the refuge in many ways:

Hunting and Fishing: Tamarac has been a prized hunting area for centuries and continues to offer great opportunities. The refuge supports waterfowl, deer, ruffed grouse, squirrel and other game species. Summer fishing occurs on five lakes open to fishing. If you like solitude, four lakes are open to winter ice fishing. Species include northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. Fishing and hunting seasons follow the state and tribal seasons and regulations. Hunting and fishing brochures are available at entrance kiosks and the visitor center. Visit the refuge website for current maps and refuge information.

Wildlife Observation and photography: Tamarac's pristine and diverse landscape offers a chance to observe and photograph wildlife in natural habitats. Enhanced opportunities include observation platforms, guided photo safaris and workshops.

Interpretation and Environmental Education: Throughout the year, the refuge offers a variety of family friendly programs and activities including wildflower walks, beginning birding tours, Wildlife Excursions, Wild Wednesdays for pre-school age children, kayak cruises, snowshoe walks, ski treks and inspiring nature films on the big screen in the visitor center. The Blackbird Wildlife Drive offers a six mile self-guided journey exploring the edges of lakes, marshes and meadows. Environmental education programs are also offered to local schools in the fall, winter and spring.

Exploring the refuge by foot: Tamarac is now home to 14 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Experience the diversity of habitat including bogs, pine forests, mixed deciduous forests, wetlands and more. The Old Indian Hiking Trail is a short 2 1/4 mile loop trail that follows in the steps of the Ojibwe people. There are ten miles of ski trails to experience which are occasionally groomed by a refuge volunteer.

Stop by the visitor center to see the 11 minute film, Tamarac, Its Life and Legends. Explore our hands-on exhibit area and enter your bird sightings on E-Bird. While there, you may shop for that special souvenir at the Friends of Tamarac Gift Shop.

Climate and Special Equipment Needs

When planning a trip to the Refuge, it is important to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes for walking. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera.