Spring fed native and restored wetlands provide excellent migratory waterfowl watching. Look for Northern Shoveler, Hooded Merganser, Redhead, and Blue-winged Teal as well as Yellow-headed Blackbird. Shorebirds will be present depending on water levels.

This area is open to waterfowl and Pheasant hunting.

Prairie History

Native and restored prairie provide excellent examples of tallgrass prairie flowers May through October. The prairie is home to Bobolink and Field Sparrow, Dicksissel and Sedge Wren. The threatened smooth green snake can be found here..

Location Description

Burns Prairie is located 5 miles west of Emmetsburg on 370th Street (west of the airport).

Driving Directions and other Information

• Birding drive located 5 miles west of Emmetsburg, 1 mile south of Hwy 18.
  3701 410th Avenue and 370th Street.
• GPS location N 43 06.720 W 094 46.668
• 160 acres, Palo Alto County Conservation Board
• Birding, Prairie Plants, Hunting

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Take a short visit to Burns Prairie Area via the video below!