Barthels Pond

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barthels Pond is a popular destination located in the state of Minnesota.


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Summary

It is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to enjoy nature and wildlife. The pond is surrounded by beautiful scenery and provides ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.

Some of the top reasons to visit Barthels Pond include its serene surroundings, diverse wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can explore the area's many hiking trails, or take a relaxing stroll around the pond to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The pond is also home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, northern pike, and sunfish.

One of the key points of interest at Barthels Pond is the Barthels Pond Wildlife Management Area. This area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many different bird species. Visitors can watch for bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and a variety of waterfowl.

Interesting facts about the area include that the pond was originally created as a reservoir for the local community, and today it serves as an important habitat for many different species of fish and wildlife. The pond is also part of the Mississippi River watershed, which is one of the largest and most important river systems in the United States.

The best time of year to visit Barthels Pond is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the wildlife is most active. However, the area is also popular during the fall, when the leaves begin to change colors and the scenery is particularly beautiful.

Overall, Barthels Pond is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. With its diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery, and excellent fishing opportunities, it is sure to be a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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