Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve

Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is protected by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS). Come explore! Group events (parties, meetings, etc.)

Explore peaceful trails, wildlife, and nature programming while helping conserve this special place for future generations. The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to foster personal connections to, and stewardship of, our natural world. The Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is a 466 acre tract of prime wilderness surrounding Spearhead Lake. Located approxi

mately 11 miles southwest of Bemidji, Minnesota, is owned and managed by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. The purpose of the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is to protect the integrity of the natural ecosystem and provide opportunities for experiential education and research. The preserve offers 5 miles of hiking trails, boat launches, a screened-in shelter, and outhouse open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. PLEASE NOTE: ATVs / 4x4's, horses, hunting, camping, and public swimming are not allowed at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve. require a reservation. Contact [email protected] or call 218.444.8672 to inquire.

At our last volunteer event, we installed this Little Free Library! If you have any nature or science related books you'...
06/13/2026

At our last volunteer event, we installed this Little Free Library! If you have any nature or science related books you'd like to donate, we would be so grateful for your generosity. Together, we can inspire a love of nature and science, one book at a time.

🌿 Last night marked the very first Mindful Steps event, and it was an incredible evening!Visitors explored the natural w...
06/13/2026

🌿 Last night marked the very first Mindful Steps event, and it was an incredible evening!

Visitors explored the natural world in so many creative ways—from leaf rubbings and poetry to sketching and quiet observation. It was wonderful to see everyone slow down, connect with nature, and express themselves.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special first night!

We hope to see you at our next Mindful Steps on June 25th at 6:30 PM. Come explore, create, and connect with nature!

Fun Fact Friday!!Pine Warblers are true to their name—they spend most of their lives in pine forests and are rarely foun...
06/12/2026

Fun Fact Friday!!

Pine Warblers are true to their name—they spend most of their lives in pine forests and are rarely found far from pine trees. They are often found at the very tops of pine trees singing.

Pine Warblers are the only warbler species able to consume large quantities of seeds. This is a unique adaptation that allows them to overwinter in North America rather than migrate farther south.

Studies have shown that Pine Warblers can actually adjust their digestive system by enlarging their gizzard, allowing them to digest large quantities of seeds during the winter months. During the breeding season, their main diet consists of insects, caterpillars, and spiders.

Pine Warblers were a wonderful part of spring at the preserve. We hope you had the chance to hear their beautiful songs!

Find more information about Pine Warblers using the National Audubon Society bird guide link below!
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/pine-warbler

🌿 TONIGHT!! 🌿🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PMJoin our Education Assistant, Zoey, for the launch of our new workshop series, Mindful S...
06/11/2026

🌿 TONIGHT!! 🌿
🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join our Education Assistant, Zoey, for the launch of our new workshop series, Mindful Steps!

This series is all about slowing down, making meaningful observations, and experiencing nature from a fresh perspective. Enjoy guided journaling, hands-on activities, and a short guided hike as we explore mindfulness in the outdoors.

Bring your own journal if you'd like—but if not, don't worry! All materials will be provided.

Come spend a fun, creative evening at the preserve. We can't wait to see you!

06/11/2026

One of the most distinctive sounds of spring in Minnesota’s forests is the drumming of the Ruffed Grouse. What sounds like a distant engine or rolling thunder is actually a male grouse beating its wings up to 50 times in just a few seconds to attract a mate and defend its territory.

This fascinating display is not only a treat for birders and naturalists but also helps researchers monitor grouse populations and forest health.

Take a moment to learn how these remarkable birds create their signature drumming sound from our friends at National Audubon Society. 🐦🌲

06/11/2026

In 2025, a group of women in Bemidji looked at our beautiful Northwoods and saw an opportunity. We wanted to create a space where cost wasn't a barrier and where every family could feel the magic of our local ecosystem. 🌱

🦋 Nature Neighbors became a joyful celebration of connection with our natural world and our community organizations and individuals who pour their passion into creating experiences for families to get outside, get their hands dirty, and bask in the beauty nature provides to nourish our well-being.

Thank you to our event sponsors who helped us keep the event free, to all of our vibrant vendors, the food trucks, and to all of you who came out to enjoy hands-on projects, live music, and time together in nature.

More photos to come! 🤗

Join us this Saturday, June 13, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. for our Walk on the Wild Side series!Experience the peak of bird br...
06/10/2026

Join us this Saturday, June 13, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. for our Walk on the Wild Side series!

Experience the peak of bird breeding season on a guided field walk focused on bird behavior, nesting, and identification. This special hike will include a visit to the bald eagle nest located on the preserve, along with fascinating facts about these incredible birds.

We hope you'll join us for a morning of hiking, birdwatching, and learning as we check out our local eagle nest together!

For more event details, visit our website link below!
https://www.spearheadmhas.org/events-programs/5aily8apfdvjw6hz99yezjgdwo0yo9-ch9db-seeph

We had a great time at the 2026 Nature Neighbors Family Festival! See you next year!
06/08/2026

We had a great time at the 2026 Nature Neighbors Family Festival! See you next year!

New Workshop Series!Join our Education Assistant, Zoey, for the launch of our new workshop series, Mindful Steps! This s...
06/08/2026

New Workshop Series!

Join our Education Assistant, Zoey, for the launch of our new workshop series, Mindful Steps!

This series is dedicated to slowing down, making observations, and experiencing nature from a fresh perspective. Participants will enjoy journaling, engaging activities, and a short guided hike while exploring mindfulness in the outdoors.

Our first one will be held this Thursday, June 11th from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at the preserve! If you can't make it, no worries! We have additional workshops scheduled for June 25th and July 9th!

We hope you'll join us as we take time to connect with nature, reflect, and discover new ways of seeing the world around us.

Check out more details on our website link below!
https://www.spearheadmhas.org/events-programs/ivj48z90zrhcetuec1bx1ao2w763z4-sxy5c

Address

48851 County 29
Bemidji, MN
56601

Telephone

+12184448672

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve:

Shortcuts

Share

Category