Nearest Town: Hill City

This 142-acre WMA is a wetland impoundment with Wild Rice and a bog on the west end. Surrounding this WMA unit are forestlands managed by state and county agencies.

Look for Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Trumpeter Swan, and Red-winged Blackbird, Swamp Sparrow, Painted Turtle, Muskrat, River Otter, American Beaver and Mink on this Wildlife Management Area. Both Bald Eagle and Trumpeter Swan nest here.

Managed cooperatively with Aitkin County for waterfowl and wetland wildlife this WMA does not allow Wild Rice harvesting.

Contact Information: Minnesota DNR, Area Wildlife Office, 1200 Minnesota Ave S, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-6915; Aitkin County Land Department, 209 – 2nd Street NW, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-7364, E-mail: acld@co.aitkin.mn.us.

Nearest Town: Hill City and Jacobson

The Rabey Line ATV Trail winds through the Hill River State Forest and the Savanna State Forest. It is located between Hill City and the town of Jacobson, following the old abandoned Mississippi, Hill City & Western Railroad grade. The trail has a combination of high ground, swamp/bog areas, and beautiful woods along the Mississippi River. The 19.1 miles of trail is open from May 15 to November 1 for ATV travel each year. December 1st trails open for snowmobiling depending on weather. Length of season depends on weather conditions; trails are open unless posted otherwise. The Haypoint Jackpine Savages Snowmobile Club and the Minnesota DNR have cooperatively developed this Grant-in-Aid trail with the trail sponsor, the Aitkin County Land Department.

The Rabey Line Trail passes through hardwood forests and cedar bogs. There are three lakes near the trail, Washburn, Studhorse and Dagle Lakes each with opportunities to see waterfowl. Watch for warblers, vireos, Scarlet Tanager and Ruffed Grouse in the hardwoods and Winter Wren, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Connecticut Warbler in the bogs. The Tamarack/spruce bogs may occasionally host Black-backed Woodpecker and Gray Jay in both summer and winter.

Be safe! When birding and hiking, please remember that these are active ATV/snowmobile trails. Traffic can be heavy, particularly on weekends. ATVs and snowmobiles have the right of way on these designated trails.