Skip to main content

Loon Lake Wildlife Area

loonlake.jpg

 

Loon Lake Wildlife Area is a 3,123-acre property located primarily in Barron County with a small parcel in Polk County. It consists of rolling upland oak, maple and aspen forest, grassfields, waterfowl flowages, pothole lakes, lowland brush and the Apple River.

Find it 4 miles north of Turtle Lake or 4 miles south of Cumberland. From Turtle Lake, go north on Highway 63 for 3 miles to 16th Avenue. Turn west onto 16th Avenue and go 1/2 mile, then head north on 3/4 1st Street for 1.5 miles. From Cumberland, head south on Highway 63 for approximately 4 miles. Just south of Comstock, head west on 18 1/2 - 19 1/2 Avenue. Part of the property is within 1/2 mile of Highway 63. The rest of the property is 2.5 miles west, south of 19 1/2 Avenue.

No bikes are allowed on the property.

Management Objectives

Loon Lake Wildlife Area was established in the 1960s for waterfowl and forest wildlife management. Ducks, geese, deer, ruffed grouse, woodcock, gray squirrels, black bear and furbearers are the main species of interest for hunting or wildlife viewing.

Over 100 acres of flowages have been developed along with small dug potholes for waterfowl management. Approximately 600 acres of grassland habitat developed for waterfowl and grassland birds is burned and mowed periodically to maintain habitat quality. An extensive trail system is maintained for hunter access and wildlife viewing.

For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.

Recreation

The Loon Lake Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Fishing;
  • Hiking;
  • Hunting (especially noted for waterfowl);
  • Trapping (especially noted for beaver, muskrats and otters);
  • Wild edibles/gathering; and
  • Wildlife viewing.

Note: No bikes are allowed on the property.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.