Mountain Lake
Bird watching is a delightful
treat here in the Mississippi Flyway with observation towers in
county and state parks and blinds in nature conservancy wildlife
preserves. Paddle a canoe on the Des Moines River to view bald
eagles, turkey vultures and egrets. On the marshes surrounding
Heron Lake, giant Canada geese, herons, pelicans and the very
rare glossy ibis may be spotted.
Jackson
- Canoe launching areas in
municipal and county parks. Visit Fort Belmont, Fair Village and
the Historic Courthouse.
Lakefield
- Observation tower at Sandy Point
County Park. "Prairie Schooler," Heron Lake Environmental
Learning Center's mobile classroom at Sparks Park. Jackson
County Museum.
Okabena
- Dredge access to see many
nesting birds, marsh birds and flocks of Pelicans.
Heron Lake
- North Heron Lake Preserve on
North Heron Lake - blinds for birdwatching. Sacred Hearth
Catholic Church, a unique prairie church. Heron Lake Library -
many mounted native birds.
Windom
- Island Park, resident goose
population, historic courthouse, Cottonwood County Museum.
Mountain Lake
- Park on the shores of Mountain
Lake. Mennonite Heritage Village depicts Russian Mennonite
culture. Eat traditional Mennonite food at Ayte Shtade
Restaurant on Village grounds.
