Sax-Zim Bog 2026 Winter Events and Programs Make Birding and Nature Viewing Fun

This round-up of winter events in the Sax-Zim Bog of northern Minnesota will make nature-watching and birding a breeze!

Get excited nature lovers, because there are a bunch of opportunities to learn about the amazing species that live in Minnesota’s Sax-Zim Bog this winter through guided tours, snowshoe hikes within the Sax-Zim Bog’s over 300 square miles of land, and special guest speakers at their welcome center!

So, for visitors who have their hearts set on exploring the boreal wilds of northeastern Minnesota this winter season we have put together a compiled list of the Sax-Zim Bog’s upcoming winter events along with nearby places to stay, and some other spots worthy of attention while not out along the trails.

Field Trips, Snowshoe Hikes and More

While we are already well into the winter season, the Sax-Zim Bog has double the number of events this year, so it’s far from too late to enjoy their winter programming.

February:

• Winter Storytelling (February 6^th & 13^th) – Native American storytelling sessions, no signups required.
• Drawing Birds: Boreal Chickadee (February 7^th) – Nature portraits with artist Lauren Hefty. $65-$80 registration.
• Winter World of Lichens Field Trip (February7th) – Snowshoes may be utilized on this trek to discover winter lichens. Registration is required.
• Corvid Ecology Field Trip (February 14^th) – A mix of indoor and outdoor learning as visitors study the Corvidae family of birds. Registration is required.
• Winter Tracking and Animal Sign Field Trip (February 15^th) – Take a guided trip to discover the hidden signs of animals in the winter and see what you discover! Registration is required.
• Master Naturalist Advanced Training: Winter Through a Hand Lens (February 21^st)
• Sax-Zim Bog Snowshoe Hike: Toivola Swamp & Devil’s Islands (February 22^nd) – Snowshoe through open peatland, an area that is normally very difficult to explore in the summer! Registration is required.
• Daytime Raptor Migration (February 27^th) – Meet speaker Erik Bruhnke as he talks about the nature of these magnificent birds of prey. No registration is required.
• Winter Season Mini BioBlitz (February 28^th) – Be a part of documenting the Sax-Zim Bog’s biodiversity in this fun annual event! Registration is required.

March:

• Introduction to Bird Song (March 1^st) – Learn the how and why of different types of birdsongs and gain a baseline understanding these fascinating and diverse animals. Registration is required.
• Wildlife and Habitat Management: An Assistant Wildlife Manager’s Perspective (March 6^th)
• Northern Owls Evening Program (March 7^th) – Learn about “hoo” owls really are on this evening field trip! Registration is required.
• Master Naturalist Advanced Training: Introduction to Late Winter and Early Spring Insects (March 8^th)
• Peatland Forest in Minnesota: Past, Present, and Future? (March 13^th) – Presenter Josh Kolasch discusses the crucial nature of peatland habitats, their historical impacts, and the dangers that they are facing. No registration is required.

Nature Lover Friendly Accommodations

While there isn’t necessarily any place that isn’t friendly for nature lovers, there are places that almost seem to be made precisely with them in mind.

The Yurt in Meadowlands is a perfect example of ‘nature-lover friendly’ with a spacious yet comfortable interior, all surrounded by a private and snowy landscape. Not to mention that it sits right along the outskirts of the Sax-Zim Bog, so travel time is cut to a minimum!

Next up is the Misty Shoals rental home located in Eveleth! It’s a miniature cottage style rental with all the amenities that visitors could want and is simply cozy to the core. It is also about a 15 minute drive to the Sax-Zim Bog from there, so it is also an ideal launching point for wildlife excursions.

Feeling Peckish after Bird Watching?

There are some ideal spots to eat around the Sax-Zim Bog, but because the area is so spread out, they can sometimes be tricky to find – but we’ve got that covered!

The nearest spots for some great food are the Trailside Lounge & Grille in Meadowlands, Wilbert Café & El Toro Lounge in Cotton, and Timbers Edge Bar & Grill in Eveleth. Wilbert Café in particular has an extraordinary selection of pies and a vintage diner appeal!

Make Plans Now Before Winter Melts Away!

Plan for a winter field trip before winter slips away, because the scope of life that inhabits the Sax-Zim Bog during the often brutal cold of winter is simply astonishing. Anyone who can appreciate nature, or who wants to learn more about it can find & learn some remarkable things by just exploring the boardwalks and trails of this incredible collection of habitats that make up the Sax-Zim Bog.

And while visiting, make sure to stop by Auggie’s Boardwalk for a hand carved owl. They are in fact all hand-made, so they may not always be in stock, but they are a treasure to find when they are there!