Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness

The Agassiz Wilderness contains a total of 4,000 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Minnesota. The Wilderness lies within the 61,500-acre Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge which is an important breeding and resting area for migratory birds with habitat management focusing on waterfowl, marsh, and grassland bird species. The Wilderness sinks as low as 1,140 feet above sea level, then "soars" to 1,149 feet. Black spruce and tamarack tower over the soft, spongy forest floor where clusters of pitcher plants and lady slippers bloom. There are two natural boggy bodies of water-- Kuriko and Whiskey Lakes. The only authorized public access to Agassiz's Wilderness Area is during the deer and grouse hunting seasons. Camping is not allowed anywhere on Agassiz NWR. If you want to pitch a tent, head for one of the two primitive state-managed campgrounds adjacent to the Refuge. Call the refuge headquarters before planning a visit at 218-449-4115.