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Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge |
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| 44843 County Road 19 Odessa, MN 56276 E-mail: bigstone@fws.gov Phone Number: 320-273-2191 |
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| Visit the Refuge's Web Site: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/big_stone/ |
Big Stone Refuge was named for its lichen-covered granite outcrops. | ||
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 The refuge does not have any staff whose duties are specifically oriented towards providing environmental education. However, existing refuge staff periodically provide on-site environment educational seminars, workshops, etc. for school children and other groups upon request.
 Fishing is a popular activity at the refuge and is allowed in accordance with State seasons and regulations. Some of the most popular places to fish are along reservoir levees and at spillways located within them. Fishing from the banks of the Minnesota and Yellowbank rivers is also often very productive for anglers.
 The refuge offers public hunting opportunities consistent with State-designated seasons and regulations for gray partridge, cottontail rabbit, jack rabbit, gray and fox squirrel, pheasant, turkey, and deer. The refuge serves as a sanctuary area for migratory birds and is closed to all types of migratory bird hunting, including waterfowl, snipe, and woodcock.
 The refuge's six-mile, self-guided, auto tour route has a leaflet with numbered stops keyed to interpretive information. There is also a self-guided, one-mile, foot trail on the refuge that meanders through granite outcrops, prairie habitats, and river bottoms. Interpretive leaflets are available at the refuge headquarters, auto tour route entrance, and the beginning of the hiking trail.
 Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at the refuge. During spring and fall migration, 17 species of ducks and 23 species of shorebirds can be seen in and around the refuge. Some of the most common waterfowl species to be seen include mallard, blue-winged teal, northern shoveler, and Canada geese. Abundant shorebirds include least and semipalmated sandpipers and lesser yellowlegs. Many birds breed and nest on the refuge throughout the summer. Secretive birds like the American bittern establish breeding territories within the refuge's wetland habitats. Other animals to look for include white-tailed deer, gray partridge, muskrats, beaver, and the playful otter. Wildlife viewing opportunities are better during the morning or evening hours, when animals are most active. A bird list is available at the refuge's headquarters. An approximately six-mile auto tour route traverses through upland and wetland habitat occurring on the refuge, offering visitors panoramic views of the Minnesota River Valley and northern tallgrass prairie habitats. The auto tour also winds through a system of granite outcrops located near the Minnesota River that may be one of the most interesting habitats on the refuge. These areas support the most diverse assemblage of native plants occurring on the refuge. The high outcrops provide excellent views of large portions of the refuge and its wildlife residents. A six-mile auto tour route traverses through upland and wetland habitat occurring on the refuge, offering visitors panoramic views of the Minnesota River Valley and northern tallgrass prairie habitats. The auto tour also winds through a system of granite outcrops located near the Minnesota River that may be one of the most interesting habitats on the refuge. These areas support the most diverse assemblage of native plants occurring on the refuge. The high outcrops provide excellent views of large portions of the refuge and its wildlife residents.
 Refuge Headquarters - Open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Wildlife Drive/Outdoor Facilities - The auto tour is open daily, dawn to dusk, from May to September. All other facilities are open daily, dawn to dusk (year-round).
 There is no entrance fee. |
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| - Refuge Profile Page - | ||