The 9,634-acre Grayling Marsh Wildlife Management Area consists of uplands dominated by aspen with low areas that are primarily brush and grass. A wetland impoundment is located in the west portion of the unit. An observation platform exists at the main access. The wetlands around the platform are home to Marsh Wren, Wilson’s Snipe, Sora and Virginia Rail. It is possible to see Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, American Widgeon, Ring-necked Duck and Mallard in the impoundment and American Bittern call from the marsh. Several pairs of Sandhill Crane can be seen from the platform. Look for shorebirds during migration along the muddy shores of the water impoundment.

The road into the impoundment is good for observation of warblers and vireos in migration, several species nest here. Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Chestnut-sided, Yellow and Blackburnian Warblers are some that can be found nesting here in the summer months.

This WMA offers good opportunities for waterfowl observation. Sandhill Cranes nest on the unit, look for them in the open area east of the observation tower at the end of the main unit access road. Species usually seen on this WMA include White-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Canada Goose, Mallard, Swamp Sparrow, Gray Catbird and Gray Wolves.

Management of the lowland habitats of this unit is for open land wildlife species such as Sharp-tailed Grouse and Sandhill Cranes.

Respect private property on adjacent lands. No Wild Rice harvesting allowed.

From the Grayling main unit, continuing north on County Road 73 to the intersection with County Road 6, turn left, to the west until it joins State Highway 65, west of this intersection is the Sandy River Flowage Access Forest Road. This road is a good place to check for migrating warblers. The boat access to the Sandy River flowage overlooks beds of Wild Rice filled in the spring and fall with waterfowl. During the summer, look along this road for Scarlet Tanager, Great Crested Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos, Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian and Nashville Warblers, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwing and more.

County Road 6 to the east of the junction with Country Road 73 passes a small lake on the south that is home to nesting Black Tern. Lake Minnewawa to the north has migrating waterfowl and nesting Common Loon, Black Tern, Yellow-headed Blackbird and Common Goldeneye along with other waterfowl. Pine Warbler nest in the tall pines along the lakeshore. County Road 6 continues east to Tamarack, along the way look for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, Barred Owl, Broad-winged Hawk and in fall and winter, Rough-legged Hawk and Northern Shrike.

Directions: To Grayling Marsh main access: From McGregor, go two miles east on State Highway 210, 2.5 miles north on County Road 73, access road on the east side of the County Road. To east access: From McGregor, go six miles east on State Highway 210, one mile north on 160th Place.

Contact Information: Minnesota DNR, Area Wildlife Office, 1200 Minnesota Ave S, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-6915.