Parks and Recreation

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge: 763-389-3323
17076 293rd Avenue, Zimmerman
www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne

Daily: Daylight Hours
Free of Charge

National Wildlife Refuge, located 10 miles southwest of Princeton, encompasses 30,700 acres of oak savanna, prairie opening, and wetland habitats and is home to an astounding array of wildlife. Bald eagles, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, songbirds, otter, beaver, and white-tailed deer all may be seen by the careful observer. The refuge provides a variety of opportunities for experiencing nature. The Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive, a 7.3 mile auto tour route, is open from mid April through October. Two scenic trails, the Blue Hill and the Mahnomen, offer over nine miles of hiking. Small game, waterfowl, and big game hunting and fishing are available during the state seasons. The refuge is open seven days a week during daylight hours free of charge.

Visitor information leaflets, including a map of the refuge, are available at information kiosks at refuge entry points on Sherburne County Roads 9 and 5. The refuge office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Directions from Zimmerman, MN
Follow Highway 169 north from Zimmerman 5 miles to County Road 9. Follow County Road 9 west 4 miles to the refuge entrance, where a kiosk with refuge information and leaflets can be found. Continue on County Road 9 west 1 mile to reach the refuge headquarters located on the north side of the road.

The Friends of Sherburne is a non-profit group formed to give assistance and support for refuge projects and educational programs. The Friends Gift Shop, located at refuge headquarters, offers tee shirts, ball caps, and other wildlife gifts at affordable prices. The shop is open during refuge business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at refuge events. To learn about the Friends, log on to their web site at www.exploresherburne.org.

Sand Dunes State Forest

763-856-4826
(Facility managed by: Lake Maria State Park)
12969 Fremont Avenue, Zimmerman

The Sand Dunes State Forest has a campground with 36 drive-in and six walk-in sites, with four group sites available. It has 2 miles of nature trails, horse trails and a day beach on Ann Lake.

Directions: County Road 4 west 6 miles to 168th Street, turn left (south) and follow signs 1.5 miles.

Grams Regional Park

Sherburne County Zoning Office: 763-241-2900

Grams Regional Park is approximately 114 acres in size and is located along Lake Fremont, near Zimmerman with nearly 1000 feet of lakeshore frontage. The park is being managed by Sherburne County and is in early development stages with some hiking trails.

Directions: Hwy 169 to Zimmerman, go east on County Road 4 for ¾ mile and turn north on 120th St. Go 1 mile and the park entrance is on the right across from Lake Fremont.