14 Types of Frogs in Minnesota
Frogs do show up in Minnesota, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
14 types of frogs recorded in Minnesota
14 frog species have a verified observation record in Minnesota, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Minnesota
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Great Plains ToadNativeAnaxyrus cognatus | Anaxyrus cognatus | 16 |
| 14 | Pickerel FrogNativeLithobates palustris | Lithobates palustris | 15 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Frogs do show up in Minnesota, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
What are the easiest frogs to identify in Minnesota?
The spring peeper is one of the easiest to identify by call, a high-pitched whistle. The northern leopard frog is also distinctive with its green body and dark spots. Listen for the peeper's chorus in early spring and look for leopard frogs near grassy ponds.
Where in Minnesota do people usually see frogs first?
Most sightings happen in the southern and central regions around wetlands, ponds, and slow-moving streams.Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Areais a reliable spot for multiple species. Also checkAnoka Countymarshes and theMinnesota River Valley.
What time of year is best for frog sightings in Minnesota?
Late March through May is peak breeding season, when frogs are most active and vocal. June to August remains good for juvenile frogs near water. Early morning or after rain gives the best odds of spotting them.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell a leopard frog from a pickerel frog?
Leopard frogs have round spots with a light border, while pickerel frogs have square spots in two rows. Leopard frogs also have a distinct pale line along the upper jaw. Pickerel frogs have a more bronze background and a yellow underside on the hind legs. Check field marks carefully to separate these common lookalikes.
What do gray treefrogs look like?
Gray treefrogs are masters of camouflage, changing color from gray to green. They have large toe pads with sticky discs and a rough warty skin. Look for them on tree trunks or window screens near lights at night. Their trill call is a short musical note.
Where can you find wood frogs?
Wood frogs emerge early in spring and breed in vernal pools and wooded wetlands. They are brown with a dark mask across the eyes, like a robber. Look for them in forested areas of northern Minnesota, especiallyChippewa National ForestandItasca State Park. They are often the first frogs active after snowmelt.
Can you find tree frogs in Minnesota?
Yes, the eastern gray treefrog and Cope's gray treefrog are both found statewide. They live in trees near ponds. Listen for their musical trills on summer nights. Identification is tricky; Cope's has a faster trill. Both have bright yellow or orange hidden on their inner thighs.
What are the best products to help you identify or enjoy Minnesota frogs?
Once you start spotting frogs, you may want to bring the experience home. Here are a few items from the Easy Street Markets collection:
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
This vivid art print captures the iconic red eyed tree frog, a species not native to Minnesota but a favorite among frog fans. Great for a home office or nature room.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A rare frog species depicted in this print, perfect for adding a pop of green to your decor. It sparks curiosity about frog diversity.Check Price and Availability
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire
A simple, beautiful frog illustration that fits any space. Printed on fine art paper, it gives a nod to Minnesota's amphibian wildlife.Check Price and Availability
For more frog-themed gear, browse ourt-shirtsandart prints.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota frogs
**What is the most common frog in Minnesota?** The northern leopard frog is one of the most widespread and commonly seen. **Can you keep a frog as a pet?** It is not recommended to take frogs from the wild. Check local regulations if considering a captive bred species. **Are there poisonous frogs in Minnesota?** No native frogs are dangerous to humans, but pickerel frogs have skin secretions that can irritate open cuts. **What is the loudest frog call?** The spring peeper is very piercing, but bullfrogs produce a deep bass note that carries far. **When do frogs start calling?** Typically in late March or early April, depending on the weather.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest frogs to identify in Minnesota?+
The spring peeper is one of the easiest to identify by call, a high-pitched whistle. The northern leopard frog is also distinctive with its green body and dark spots. Listen for the peeper's chorus in early spring and look for leopard frogs near grassy ponds.
Where in Minnesota do people usually see frogs first?+
Most sightings happen in the southern and central regions around wetlands, ponds, and slow-moving streams.Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Areais a reliable spot for multiple species. Also checkAnoka Countymarshes and theMinnesota River Valley.
What time of year is best for frog sightings in Minnesota?+
Late March through May is peak breeding season, when frogs are most active and vocal. June to August remains good for juvenile frogs near water. Early morning or after rain gives the best odds of spotting them. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell a leopard frog from a pickerel frog?+
Leopard frogs have round spots with a light border, while pickerel frogs have square spots in two rows. Leopard frogs also have a distinct pale line along the upper jaw. Pickerel frogs have a more bronze background and a yellow underside on the hind legs. Check field marks carefully to separate these common lookalikes.
What do gray treefrogs look like?+
Gray treefrogs are masters of camouflage, changing color from gray to green. They have large toe pads with sticky discs and a rough warty skin. Look for them on tree trunks or window screens near lights at night. Their trill call is a short musical note.
Where can you find wood frogs?+
Wood frogs emerge early in spring and breed in vernal pools and wooded wetlands. They are brown with a dark mask across the eyes, like a robber. Look for them in forested areas of northern Minnesota, especiallyChippewa National ForestandItasca State Park. They are often the first frogs active after snowmelt.
Can you find tree frogs in Minnesota?+
Yes, the eastern gray treefrog and Cope's gray treefrog are both found statewide. They live in trees near ponds. Listen for their musical trills on summer nights. Identification is tricky; Cope's has a faster trill. Both have bright yellow or orange hidden on their inner thighs.
What are the best products to help you identify or enjoy Minnesota frogs?+
Once you start spotting frogs, you may want to bring the experience home. Here are a few items from the Easy Street Markets collection: ### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print This vivid art print captures the iconic red eyed tree frog, a species not native to Minnesota but a favorite among frog fans. Great for a home office or nature room.Check Price and Availability ### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print A rare frog species depicted in this print, perfect for adding a pop of green to your decor. It sparks curiosity about frog diversity.Check Price and Availability ### Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire A simple, beautiful frog illustration that fits any space. Printed on fine art paper, it gives a nod to Minnesota's amphibian wildlife.Check Price and Availability For more frog-themed gear, browse ourt-shirtsandart prints.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Minnesota