Loon Lake Wildlife Area

Loon Lake Wildlife Area is a 3123 acre property located mostly in Barron County with a small portion in Polk county. It consists of rolling upland oak, maple, and aspen forest, grass fields, waterfowl flowages, pothole lakes, lowland brush, and the Apple River.

Find it four miles north of Turtle Lake or four miles south of Cumberland. From Turtle Lake, go north on Hwy 63 for three miles to 16th Avenue. Turn west onto 16th Avenue and go ½ mile, then head north on ¾ /1st Street for 1 1/2 mile. From Cumberland, head south on Hwy 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 Hwy 63. The rest of the property is 2 1/2 miles west, south of 19 1/2 Avenue.

History of Management

Loon Lake Wildlife Area was established in the 1960’s 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. A large concentration of sandhill cranes can be seen on cropfields on the west side of the property in the fall.

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 walking hunter access and wildlife viewing.

Recreation Opportunities

Hunting Trapping Hiking Snowmobiling Trail (on the west side only to connect with county trail system)

Wildlife viewing Bird watching Berry picking Fishing