Regulations
for
Public Use on Swan Lake National Wildlife Reffuge
The refuge is open during daylight hours only.
Camping is only allowed when associtate with refuge events. Excellent facilities are available at 
Pershing State Park on State Highway 130, seven miles north of the refuge.
Hunting is only allowed for Geese and during the managed deer hunts.
Because of the large concentration of migrating waterfowl public access to the interior of the refuge is restricted from early November through early March each year.
Fishing is permitted under state regulations during Refuge open times only. All fishing is prohibited during managed deer hunts.
The Nature Trail remains open all year and large numbers of geese and other wildlife can be viewed from the trail or main entrance road. And old silo standing east of the visitor center has been converted to an observation tower. You are welcome to climb the tower year-round. It provides an excellent panoramic view of Swan Lake, wetlands, and fields. the tower is locked and keys can be chacked out at the refuge Visitor Center.
During the Refuge winter closure
Any activity not listed below is prohibited. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Driving
-
The main entrance road to the nature trail and Visitor Center is open for wildlife observation year-round. All other roads are closed unless posted otherwise.
- Visitor Center
-
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nature Trail
-
Open Daily
- Hunting
-
Limited goose and deer hunting available by permit. Contact Refuge staff for details.
March through October
Any activity not listed below is prohibited. The refuge is open during daylight hours only.
- Driving
-
On gravel roads unless posted with NO VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT signs or FOOT TRAVEL ONLY signs.
- Parking
-
Along all roads open to travel. Please leave room for farm equipment and other vehicles.
- Wildlife Observation
-
Entire refuge open. We recommend the Nature Trail.
- Gathering
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Nuts, berries, mushrooms, deer shed antlers, and American lotus (yanquapins) may be gathered for personal use only.
- Boating
-
On all waters. State water regulations apply. 10 HP limit on boat motors used in Silver Lake.
- Fishing
-
In all waters. State regulations in effect.
- Walking
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Entire refuge open. March 1 - October 31
- Visitor Center
-
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM Sunday 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Nature Trail
-
Open Daily (Year Round)
- Access
-
Refuge may only be accessed from one of the three entrance gates. Accessing the Refuge from adjacant private or public lands is prohibited.
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