Picnic Rock Wildlife Management Area

Picnic Rock Wildlife Management Area is located approximately 4.5 mile SW of Mankato. From Mankato, follow Highway 169/60 for approximately 4.5 miles. The unit is located on the south side of Highway 60/169 on Military Road.

In 2025, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources acquired the parcels included in the new unit. The boundaries have been signed and the unit is open for public hunting. Picnic Rock WMA consist of approximately 189.73 – acres.

This unit has varied terrain with approximately 65 – acres of oak and varied tree species on the southern end of the unit bordering the Blue Earth River. The balance of the unit consist of rolling topography with a mature wetland and pockets of draws with woody growth.

In 2026, Minnesota Pheasants, Inc., partnered with Ducks Unlimited to apply for a NAWCA grant for wetland restoration work on the new unit. The Minnesota DNR, along with DU & MPI will perform restoration work on unit wetlands. In addition, tree removal will take place on sections of the WMA. Native prairie grasses and forbs will be planted on the bulk of the unit prior to wetland work.

It is anticipated that Phase 1 of the upland and wetland restoration work will be concluded in 2028 or 2029. The unit will receive further restoration efforts after the initial phase is complete.