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Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) is the non-profit organization that manages the beautiful and unique Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, 365 acres of city-owned green space in Duluth, Minnesota. Established in 1972, Hawk Ridge is one of North America’s premier sites to watch the fall migration of birds of prey. Because of its location at the tip of Lake Superior (a massive natural barrier to migrating raptors), Hawk Ridge sees an average of 60,000 hawks, eagles, falcons and other raptors between August 15-November 30. Approx. 3,000 raptors are banded, including an average of 1,300+ owls each fall. Hawk Ridge education naturalists teach programs, provide interpretation on the migration, and deliver live bird education demonstrations to the public and visiting groups daily between 9am-4pm September 1-October 31. Volunteers and visitor services staff are also providing free binocular rentals, merchandise for sale, kid’s activities, and more. Hawk Ridge also runs the spring West Skyline Hawk Count from March 1-May 31st, which holds the world record for numbers of Bald Eagles counted in a day (1,206 in March 2022 and season record of 7,727 in 2019!). We welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the migration with us!
Our Mission
The mission of Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is to promote conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship.
Directions/Parking – The Hawk Ridge main overlook is located along East Skyline Parkway in Duluth. Access is by car and parking is available along the roadside near the main overlook on either side. Accessible parking is also designated and available at the main overlook. Busses and other large vehicles can drive past the main overlook and turn around in a pull-off heading down East Skyline Pkwy towards Seven Bridges Rd. Complete directions can be found HERE.
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve can be very busy with both vehicle traffic and people during the fall bird migration. There is limited space along the roadside. Please drive slowly and carefully on East Skyline Parkway. Visitors should also be cautious of vehicle traffic.
Amenities - There is no building at Hawk Ridge; everything is outdoors, and the main overlook is located on East Skyline Parkway (approx address 3980 E Skyline Pkwy). East Skyline Parkway is open from late spring through late fall, although the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is open to the public year-round and can be reached by hiking when the road is closed. A portable accessible toilet is available during the fall season. The Hawk Ridge Merchandise Trailer is available Sept 1 – Oct 31 with Hawk Ridge hats/shirts, nature/bird-related books, gear, snacks & drinks.
Hiking Trails – Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve has approximately 4 miles of hiking trails. Please note the trails are rugged and rocky. If you are looking for a short distance easy hike, please look at the map for directions: Click HERE for map. Accessible migration viewing is best along the roadside at our main overlook. Please note the road is closed Dec 1 – May 1 and trails may also be closed during winter/spring, when muddy/wet.
Cost? FREE! There is no charge to visit the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. We welcome and encourage visitors to become a member or contribute a donation to help support our organization. Hawk Ridge is a non-profit organization that is majorly supported through memberships, donations, and merchandise sales.
Dress for the weather – Weather is always more extreme at the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve main overlook. Make sure to dress in or bring layers (warm, wind/rainproof clothing, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes), and anything else to be prepared outdoors (water, snack, etc). If you plan to do any hiking on the Hawk Ridge trails, hiking boots are a good choice; at the very least, tennis shoes must be worn. The trails are very rugged.
Bring a chair – We recommend bringing a camp type chair to enjoy the migration, as seating is not provided for general viewing. We do have an education program area with benches, but limited for use with public & private programs.
Pets? The Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is part of the City of Duluth park system and there is a leash law within the city limits. If you need to bring your dog along, we ask that you keep your dog on a short leash (4′ maximum) and come prepared to pick up after your dog. Please be aware and cautious that Hawk Ridge can be very busy, especially on weekends, with visitors of all ages, other dogs, expensive equipment (scopes on tripods, cameras) and at times live bird demonstrations.
What not to bring? – Some items we don’t allow that impact our fall bird migration research and education safety are any objects that affect the migratory air space (drones, kites, remote control airplanes, etc) and anything prohibited in City Parks (drugs/alcohol, fireworks, campfires, weapons, etc). Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is a public space, we ask that you refrain from smoking at our main overlook area/trails/around visitors. While Hawk Ridge is a beautiful space for photography/videography, we do ask for your consideration of visitors in public areas and with privacy, especially with visiting school groups.
