Minnesota Lottery Helps Protect State's Beloved Loons

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (June 16, 2026) – On March 13, 1961, the common loon was officially designated as Minnesota’s state bird. Since then, it's become one of our most recognizable symbols — representing Minnesota’s natural beauty, clean lakes, and deep connection to the outdoors.

That’s exactly why the Minnesota Lottery chose the loon to symbolize our mission to generate funding to protect and preserve the outdoor places and wildlife that make our state so special. And fittingly, the loon has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Lottery-funded environmental efforts.

Like many Minnesotans, loons are happiest on the water. Built like tiny submarines, they have torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful webbed feet that help them dive as deep as 250 feet underwater and stay submerged for up to five minutes while hunting for fish.

And also, like many Minnesotans, they’re seasonal travelers. As winter settles in, loons leave the frozen Minnesota lakes and migrate to the warmer coastal waters of the Gulf Coast and Atlantic shoreline, from Florida to North Carolina.

But for all their grace on the water, getting airborne is no easy feat. Because of their solid bones and relatively small wings, loons need some serious runway — up to 600 feet of open water — to take off. But once they do, they soar at speeds of up to 75 mph.

Protecting the Loons’ Minnesota Home

Through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), Lottery players have helped support vital loon research and habitat conservation across the state.

One major project examined how the 2010 BP oil spill affected Minnesota loons and pelicans. From 2011 to 2017, Minnesota DNR researchers used ENRTF funding to collect essential migration and habitat data. Their findings helped secure a multi-million-dollar settlement from BP and directed funds back into loon restoration and conservation efforts here at home.

Another exciting initiative is the upcoming National Loon Center in Crosslake. Backed in part by a $4 million ENRTF grant, the center will focus on loon research, habitat protection, and public education. Set to open in 2027, it will offer visitors a closer look at Minnesota’s favorite waterbird and the freshwater ecosystems it relies on.

Your Ticket Helps Preserve Minnesota’s Outdoors

Since 1990, Minnesota Lottery players have helped generate more than $1.112 billion for over 1,700 environmental projects across the state.

That means every ticket purchased helps protect Minnesota’s lakes, wildlife, trails, parks, and natural habitats — including the places loons call home.

So the next time you hear that haunting, unmistakable call echo across a lake, you can feel proud knowing you’ve helped ensure that sound continues to define Minnesota for generations to come.