These two lakes and connecting marshland offer an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Be sure to stop in at the Nature Center and arboretum at Wolden County Park, and step back in time with a visit to the Peterson Point historical site.

Pothole Birding

This is a pretty area with woods, prairie and wetlands. If you park by the Ingham Wildlife Unit building, you can easily hike a 1-2 mile trail through the timber including Bur Oak, Green Ash, Boxelder, and Black Walnut trees. Watch for migrating warblers, woodpeckers, migrating thrush and sparrows as you hike. The roadway through the entire park is an easy drive through a variety of habitats. In the area adjacent to 230th St., you will see a restored and remnant prairie with typical grassland birds. Around the lakes expect to find Giant Canada Geese, waterfowl, herons, egrets, gulls, pelicans, cormorant and migrating waterfowl.

Location Description

While in the area don’t forget to visit Peterson Point. These restored outbuildings and farmhouse can be toured outside at anytime. For guided tours please contact the Emmet County Conservation Board. In May, the public is welcome to attend the Spring Rendezvous with buck skinners, black powder cannons and guns, and demonstrations of making lead bullets and shingles. In the fall, attend Pioneer Day to see the same types of activities along with horse drawn wagon rides and the open farm house. Across the road, restored grasses and flowers such as Black-eyed Susan, Purple and Gray-headed coneflowers grow. A half mile loop trail ties into the five mile trail linking area parks together. On High Lake catch Perch, Northern, Catfish, and Bullhead. Look for Giant Canada Geese and migrating waterfowl around the lake. On the north-east shore there is an old Red Cedar grove. Look for Pileated Woodpecker in the old growth Burr Oaks surrounding the rest of the lake. Hunting is not allowed in this portion of the area.

Driving Directions and other Information

• 450th Ave , Located on N 40 southeast of Estherville (directly east of Wallingford) west on Tuttle Lake Road.
• GPS Coordinants - N43deg18.934 WO94deg42.652
• 65 acres, Emmet County Conservation Board, 3279 acres, Iowa DNR
• Birding, Fishing, Flowers, Hiking, Nature Center, Hunting, Camping
• Restrooms at Wolden Park campground and at the Nature Center

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