Welcome to
Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
You are invited to take a journey to discover the
mysteries and wonders that
await you in
your national wildlife
refuge
Between deep blue potholes of water and scattered pieces of wild prairie lies one of South Dakota's truest treasures, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Nestled in the northeast corner of the state, these 21,498 acres of prime habitat are a haven for wildlife and those who enjoy it. Birdwatchers, anglers, photographers, hunters, and nature lovers all find refuge on Sand Lake. Home to more than 266 species of birds, 40 mammal species, and a variety of fish, reptiles, and amphibians the refuge is a mosaic of wildlife and the wild places they need. Famed for its spectacular concentrations of wildlife, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge has received many awards and special designations. It was named one of the top 15 birding sites in North America by WildBird magazine, it is a Globally Important Bird Area and in 1998 was designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 550 national wildlife refuges across the country. These refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national network of lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a federal agency within the Department of the Interior, for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of wildlife and their habitats. Sand Lake also manages the Sand Lake Wetland Management District, a program that conserves wetlands and grasslands on private property in partnership with the landowner.
Welcome again...and let your journey continue...
What's New?
New Website Format Coming Soon! This site will soon take on a new look. The Sand Lake NWR website will convert to a new format in matching the US Fish & Wildlife online system. Check back for the new look.
Sustainable Energy is Here! Watch as our 13 solar panels track the sun across a bright blue sky, from first light to sundown, producing over a third of our energy. For a live feed showing our solar panel electricity generation visit SolrenView.
Click here for a printable brochure of the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge (2.3MB)
