Circle Lake Wildlife Management Area

The Cannon River Watershed has seen much of its wildlife habitat disappear from development and agriculture, which is why it’s important to safeguard this landscape before it’s lost forever. In 2014, Trust for Public Land protected 160 acres along the north shore of Circle Lake to create the Circle Lake State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Our work here helped protect high-quality marshes, rolling upland forests, and grassy knolls, while opening new opportunities for the public to enjoy fishing, waterfowl hunting, and lakeside exploration—all less than an hour from the Twin Cities.

And the story doesn’t stop there. In 2025, a 103-acre island at the center of Circle Lake joined the WMA. Untouched and full of forests and grasslands, the island offers a new natural retreat for residents to explore by boat from the public landing just north of the lake. With this addition, visitors can experience the quiet beauty of Circle Lake in a whole new way and connect with wildlife, nature, and the outdoors in a place that will be protected for generations to come.

Funding for this project was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.