Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds

The 29th annual Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds will be held May 14-16, 2026.

The Detroit Lakes area is located in a unique convergence of three biomes – tall grass prairie, hardwood and conifer forests – sprinkled with wetlands and lakes that provide habitat for more than 275 species of spring migrating birds. Friday and Saturday mornings birders head out by coach bus to sites with experienced leaders and a naturalist to see birds and learn about conservation initiatives.

Thursday kicks off the festival with a fun social of Bird Trivia. On Friday evening, humorist Al Batt returns at Fair Hills Resort. Saturday evening at M State College, bird photographer and author Peter Cavanagh’s presentation is based on his book How Birds Fly: The Science and Art of Avian Flight.

A book signing and silent auction are open to all on Saturday afternoon at M State College.

Grab your optics and let’s go birding!