Blue Heron Rookery

Great Blue Herons have been a common sight along the Sauk River since the late 1880's.  Cold Spring is home to one of the largest and most famous Blue Heron Rookeries in America, unfortunately no nesting blue herons have been recorded since 1989.  Much has been learned and studied about the Herons from the preserve.  The sight is an excellent one to learn more about Herons and the beautiful area surrounding the preserve as well.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was gifted the Cold Spring Heron Colony by The Nature Conservancy.  The Scenic and Natural Area consists of floodplain forest and a small prairie hill from which the former rookery can be observed as well as many other species of birds.  

Visit the MN DNR website for more information on the Cold Spring Heron Colony and a checklist of birding opportunities at the site.