2026 Sax-Zim Bog Winter Owl Tour

Experience an extraordinary adventure in the heart of nature's winter wonderland with Indiana Audubon's Sax-Zim Bog Winter Owl Tour. Join us as we explore the enchanting landscapes of the Sax-Zim Bog, a renowned hotspot for observing majestic owls in their natural winter habitat. Led by experienced birding guides, Shari McCollough and Sam Warren, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the elusive and captivating owls and other northern specialties that call this region home during the winter months.

This year’s dates are February 13-17, 2026, and includes three full days birding the Bog and nearby northwoods for the various owl specialties and winter finches. The trip is offered for a maximum of 10 people, and is a van tour upon arriving. Those flying into Duluth on Friday have the option to get picked up by the guides if arriving in the morning.

Lodging all four nights will be in lodge-style cabins located directly in the Bog (Alesches in Meadowlands), with breakfast and a hot, family-style dinners. We cannot cater to any dietary restrictions as these meals are prepared locally with limited resources. Please expect shared common areas and bathrooms at these accommodations.

IAS Trip Ratings (1-5)

Birding Pace: 3-Moderate Multi-Day Trip. This trip begins before sunrise and will go until sunset, sometimes with an afternoon break. Birding is mainly by car, visiting multiple sites within the Bog each day. We may do extended periods of feeder watching, but quickly shift gears if one of our targets appears in a different area.

Physical Requirements: 3-Medium. Most of the physical toll comes from going in and out of the car in very cold temperatures (commonly below zero, as low as -40 one year). So, while you do not need to be ready to hike long distances, be prepared for your body to be exhausted at the end of each day. Most birding is done by car but we will do some light hiking, averaging around 1-2 miles per day, depending on weather. Some elevation gain may occur, and trails may be a single-file, snowpack through the wilderness.

Birding Skill Level: 2-Beginner. Our target list of species is smaller than other IAS trips, which is helpful for beginning birders. We will often have both beginners and more experienced birders targeting the Northwoods specialties. Birding focus involves extended views of species being seen. Having some knowledge of which species may be seen before attending the trip is helpful.

The tentative schedule is below:

Friday, Day 1: Participants should arrive by 5pm CT to have a kickoff meeting around 6pm. Those flying into Duluth and needing transportation to the lodge should arrive in the morning to allow for a grocery store stop and ample time to get to Alesches. Check in and dinner at Alesches.

Saturday, Day 2: Bird by car to Sax-Zim Bog. Also visit Morse Feeders, Owl Avenue and Welcome Center, Admiral Road Feeders and Sisu Feeders. Lunch in the field. Dinner at Alesches.

Sunday, Day 3: Morning birding in Yellow-bellied Bog, Pine Warbler Woods, Admiral Feeders, Auggies Board Walk and Gray Jay Way. Dinner at Alesches.

Monday, Day 4: Wild card day. After an early breakfast we may head towards the Superior National Forest or other areas nearby. We'll use this day to pick up any missed species on our target list or search for the more elusive Black-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Spruce Grouse. We will finish our last night at Alesches.

Tuesday, Day 5: Check out and return to airport or drive home. Airport drop offs will be before noon.

TOTAL COST per person IAS Member: $1,329.00

Non-Member Cost: $1,429.00

*Single Supplement:$369

Registration includes $200 deposit. Your final balance due will be emailed to you for check or credit card payment, and is due 90 days before the trip.

*Note: Due to lodging in Meadowlands, limited single supplement rooms can be guaranteed. Contact Sam Warren directly at c3dhcnJlbiB8IGluZGlhbmFhdWR1Ym9uICEgb3Jn to inquire on its availability prior to registration if you require this.

Trip costs includes ALL guiding, transportation, lodging, all breafkast and dinner costs, starting with dinner on day 1 through breakfast on day 5. Lunch each day is not included and eaten in the field, and can be picked up at convenience stores locally if needed. All participants must read and agree to the IAS Field Trip Release to participate in IAS led events and trips.

Photos: Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and Boreal Owl by Shari McCollough.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Meadowlands, Meetups in Meadowlands.