Minnesota Summer: Warblers and More

Most birders think of northern Minnesota as a winter destination, a place of snow, silence, and sought-after boreal specialties. But in summer, this landscape transforms. The forests are alive with song, the bogs are in bloom, and the air hums with life. For those who venture north in June, the rewards are exceptional: breeding warblers in full voice, orchids and pitcher plants in flower, and long, luminous evenings along the shores of Lake Superior.

This four-day journey celebrates the richness of Minnesota’s boreal summer. We’ll explore a diversity of northern habitats, from black spruce bogs and tamarack forests to lakeshore trails and the rugged North Shore, all bursting with life at this time of year. Warblers are the stars of the show, with possibilities including golden-winged, mourning, Canada, and Connecticut, among others. We’ll also keep an eye out for a host of other boreal breeders such as boreal chickadee, evening grosbeak, and barred owl.

In true Reefs to Rockies style, the pace will be relaxed yet immersive, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the landscapes, light, and songs of summer in the North Woods. Whether you’re drawn by the warblers, the wildflowers, or the thrill of exploring one of North America’s most unique ecosystems, this is Minnesota as few experience it.

Join Front Range Birding & Optics and Reefs to Rockies on this four-day adventure into Minnesota’s northern forests and Lake Superior shoreline. You’ll experience rich birding, diverse habitats, and vibrant summer landscapes while enjoying expert guidance and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. This is a chance to see boreal breeding birds at their peak, explore unique ecosystems, and create lasting memories in one of North America’s most captivating regions.

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE: Carly Crow from Reefs to Rockies is thrilled to be guiding this summer adventure to Minnesota! A passionate birder and field biologist, Carly has been immersed in avian research since 2017, specializing in bird banding and field studies. Her work has taken her across the U.S. and around the world, giving her a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of birdlife and ecosystems. With experience leading research and educational projects in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador, Carly brings a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and enthusiasm to every trip she leads.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Sun., June 14): Arrival and Travel to Duluth
After arriving at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers and begin your journey north. Along the way, we’ll enjoy our first taste of Minnesota summer birding, with eastern wood-pewees whistling, red-bellied woodpeckers churring, northern cardinals chipping, and our first opportunities to see great crested flycatcher, rose-breasted grosbeak, and various warblers and vireos. In Duluth, we’ll check in at our hotel and, time permitting, take a short walk along the lakeshore before dinner.

Accommodations: Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park (Lake View Room)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Trip starts and ends at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). Plan to arrive by 12 pm today.

Day 2 (Mon., June 15): Sax–Zim Bog
We’ll depart early for Sax–Zim Bog, a rare southern extension of Canada’s boreal forest. The bog features a mix of black spruce and tamarack wetlands, hardwood forests, meadows, and rivers, supporting a high concentration of boreal species. Summer is a prime time for breeding birds, including boreal chickadee, evening grosbeak, and a variety of warblers. Great gray owl is always the bird on everyone’s mind, though summer sightings are rare. We’ll spend the day exploring the bog’s habitats with plenty of time for observation and photography.

Accommodations: Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 (Tues., June 16): North Shore of Lake Superior
Today we explore the North Shore, traveling from Duluth to scenic vistas and forested areas. June is a peak month for nesting birds. We’ll watch for bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ruffed grouse, Canada jay, and many warblers. The North Shore also provides excellent opportunities to see wildflowers and other summer plant life. We’ll return to Duluth in time for a farewell dinner and, if conditions allow, to enjoy the sunset over Lake Superior.

Accommodations: Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 4 (Wed., June 17): Final Birding and Return to Minneapolis
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a final morning of birding in the Duluth area, with the chance to catch any species we may have missed and possibly see the sunrise over the lake. We’ll then begin the drive back to Minneapolis, stopping at one more birding hotspot along the way before reaching the airport for flights home.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Plan to depart Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport after 6 pm today.

DETAILS

Price: $2295* per person based on two people sharing a double occupancy room. Add $455** if you prefer a private, single occupancy room.

Inclusions: Accommodations; transportation (starting and ending at MSP Airport); driver/guide – Carly Crow; daily guiding birding and wildlife viewing with spotting scope available; entrance fees; and meals starting with lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4. A donation to support conservation efforts in Minnesota will be made on behalf of all participants.

Exclusions: Flights, travel insurance, gratuities, room upgrades, activities not listed in the itinerary, and personal expenses.

*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees assessed at time of payment.

**If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a room, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the private room supplement will apply.

Group Size: Min 4 and max 8 participants + Carly Crow. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better participant-to-guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. This trip includes short walks on natural surfaces, with light elevation gain on some trails. Most walks will be under two miles, with a total of three to four miles per day.

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