Crex Meadows Wildlife Area park
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area
Visitors to Crex Meadows can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. There are over 20 miles of trails throughout the reserve, as well as several observation towers and blinds, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
One of the main attractions at Crex Meadows is the annual Sandhill Crane migration, which takes place in the fall. Thousands of cranes stop at the reserve on their journey south, providing a spectacular sight for visitors.
Other points of interest at Crex Meadows include the Crex Visitor and Wildlife Education Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages, and the Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, which is adjacent to the reserve and offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The best time to visit Crex Meadows depends on the activities you plan to participate in. The fall Sandhill Crane migration is a popular time to visit, but the reserve is also beautiful in the spring and summer, when wildflowers are in bloom and bird activity is high. Winter is also a great time to visit for those interested in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its unique blend of wetlands, grasslands, and forests make it a haven for wildlife, and its extensive trail network and educational opportunities make it a great place to explore and learn.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| James N Mcnally City Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| James N. Mc Nally Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Grouse Camp | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Sandrock Cliffs | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Sandrock Cliffs - St. Croix National Scenic River | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Sandrock Cliff | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Crex Meadows Wildlife Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Crex Meadows Wildlife Area
What can I do at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Crex Meadows Wildlife Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Crex Meadows Wildlife Area.