Located on the western edge Minnesota, the Minnesota Land Trust moraine region stretches from Willmar nearly up to Bemidji. Created by the debris left behind by glaciers, the moraines take the form of rolling hills interspersed with lakes, and reach up to 350 feet in height in areas. Just northwest of Alexandria in the Leaf Mountain Township, Inspiration Peak rises to 1,750 feet (400 feet above the surrounding landscape), making it one of the highest points in Otter Tail County. Sinclair Lewis once wrote of Inspiration Peak “…there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.”
The area is also an important migratory flyway, with a diversity of native prairie, pothole lakes, and woodlands. Trumpeter swans, red-shouldered hawks, and cerulean warblers rely on this habitat. Sections of the moraine region have been classified as Important Bird Areas by Audubon, and the Land Trust works closely with them to protect and restore important areas for migratory birds.
