Nearest Town: McGregor

The 155th Place access to Split Rock Lake passes fields with Savannah Sparrow, LeConte’s Sparrow, Bobolink and Eastern Bluebird. The pines near the lake may hold Red Crossbill in the fall and winter months. Check out the lake for Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe and Bald Eagle. Alder Flycatcher and Swamp Sparrow may be found near the lake. Check maps for location of public lands, as most of the land along the road is privately owned. The lakeshore is for the most part public land; however, the northwest corner is privately owned.

The Split Rock Forest Road is a combination of several habitat types with a large variety of birds. Ruffed Grouse, Black-billed Cuckoo, and Golden-winged Warbler inhabit this area. The forest road provides access to more than driving options, as it ends at a snowmobile/ATV trail, which is great for hiking, also. This ATV trail connects the Split Rock Lake Forest Road with the East White Pine Forest Road to the south.

Directions: From McGregor, go south on State Highway 65 for 12 miles to State Highway 27, turn east on State Highway 27, five miles, then south on County Road 75 (Kestrel Ave.), two miles. Continue south on 150th Place to the signed Forest Road. Alternatively, turn west on 155th Place, 1.4 mile to an overlook of Split Rock Lake.

Contact Information: Minnesota DNR, McGrath Forestry Office, 16082 State Highway 65, McGrath, MN 56350, Phone: 320-592-3248.