Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is located in the rolling hills and narrow valley of the North Fork of the Solomon River in north-central Kansas. On the ancestral homelands of the Pawnee (Pâri), the Refuge lies in an area where the tall-grass prairies of the east meet the short-grass plains of the west. As a result, a mixture of wildlife, grasses, and wildflowers found from both prairie habitats are found on the Refuge.
Shore of Kirwin Reservoir
Seasonal Boat Closure on Kirwin Reservoir (10/1/2023 - 3/31/2024)

Due to current water levels, Refuge staff are implementing a seasonal boat closure on Kirwin Reservoir until April 1.  While the boat closure is in place, boats may be launched only from the boat ramp at Scout Cove and may continue to fish south of the buoy line in the Bow Creek Hunting Unit.  The rest of the reservoir is closed to boat fishing.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Visit Us

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see prairie wildlife and wildflowers. Early morning or just before sunset are the best times to observe wildlife. Enjoy walking, hiking, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and/or driving the Refuge. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Along the seam, where the tall and short grasses of the rolling prairie embrace and dance in the Kansas wind, two valleys join and beckon abundant wildlife and visitors alike. Visitors to the refuge will find themselves charmed by the melody of the meadowlark, captivated by the expansive vistas from limestone outcrops, and delighted by the bountiful resources of its land and waters. Wildlife-dependent recreation amid the solitude of the Refuge, provide present and future generations with an experience to remember for a lifetime.

      What We Do

      The purpose of the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources and habitat with an emphasis on migratory birds.

      Our Species

      The Refuge provides food, shelter, and nesting areas for migratory grassland and tree-dwelling birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and cranes.  These include sandhill and the endangered whooping cranes, Canada geese, northern pintail, American wigeon, mallards, greater prairie chickens, western meadowlarks, great blue herons, and many more.  Many mammals like the black-tailed prairie dog and white-tailed deer can also be seen on Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.

      Our Library

      General Brochure

      Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge general brochure

      Hunting and Fishing Brochure

      Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing brochure

      Kirwin NWR Auto Tour Route

      Directions for the Auto Tour Route when the gates are closed on October 1.

      2023-2024 KDWP Bi-weekly Waterfowl Survey

      2023-2024 KDWP Bi-weekly Waterfowl Survey Field Forms