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, the refuge is a haven for wildlife and those who enjoy it. Birdwatchers, anglers, photographers, hunters, and nature lovers all find refuge at 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.   

Sand Lake Refuge is one of over 540 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.