Minnesota DNR hosts open house at the Hubbel Pond WMA
Get out and explore the woods, prairies and wetlands at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ open house event Saturday, Aug. 29 at Hubbel Pond Wildlife Management Area in Becker County.
The Minnesota DNR is celebrating 75 years of WMAs in Minnesota in 2026. Events like the Hubbel Pond WMA open house encourage people to visit Minnesota’s diverse WMAs to see all they have to offer.
“WMAs are the backbone of our wildlife management efforts in Minnesota. They belong to all Minnesotans and this event is a good way for the public to explore and learn about everything WMAs provide,” said Rob Baden, DNR area wildlife supervisor.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hubbel Pond WMA. Activities include:
- A guided nature hike along the North County Trail
- A wild rice harvesting demonstration at the historic dam site on the Otter Tail River
- A tour of recent forest management activities and discussion on the historic role Hubble Pond played in transporting lumber to mills in Becker County
- 75th anniversary themed prizes
DNR staff will be available to answer questions and provide information about Hubbel Pond WMA.
Hubbel Pond WMA has more than 3,500 acres of northern hardwood forests, prairies and wetlands. The main Hubbel Pond pool is a semi-permanent wetland totaling 600 acres that was used during the logging era in the late 1880s. Today the pool is managed for wild rice. Wild rice is a high protein food source for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife, and an important social and cultural component for Native American Tribes and rural Minnesota communities. Hubbel Pond WMA is heavily used by the public for hunting, birdwatching, hiking, trapping and foraging.
Hubbel Pond WMA is located 8 miles east of Detroit Lakes. Parking for the open house is available off County Highway 29 near Rochert, two miles north of State Highway 34. Follow signs to parking areas along the access road to the Hubbel Pond dam site. Dress for the weather. Sunscreen, water and insect repellant are recommended.
RSVPs are preferred but not required. To RSVP, reach Detroit Lakes Area Wildlife at [email protected] or leave a message at 218-846-8470.
Minnesota WMAs
Minnesota’s WMAs provide access to 1,521 public wildlife areas encompassing 1.39 million acres of field, forest and wetlands across Minnesota. Developed specifically for public use, these habitat-rich areas provide havens for wildlife and recreational opportunities for people.
On Sept. 17, 1951, the Save the Wetlands program began in Minnesota with an initial budget of $50,000. On Jan. 12, 1954, former Minnesota DNR Supervisor of Game, Richard Dorer, established the Save Minnesota’s Wetlands Fund, which allowed private donations to finance wetland purchases.
See more WMA history, learn about the diverse experiences and habitats on Minnesota’s WMAs, and use the WMA Finder tool at the Minnesota DNR WMA webpage.
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