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 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.
Welcome again...and let your journey continue...
What's New?
Celebrate National Pollinator Week 2012. Bees, beetles, butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, and flies - but a few of nature's hard-working creatures that help pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants, and nearly 75% of our crops. During the week of June 18-24, visit the Sand Lake NWR or one of the many Waterfowl Production Areas to witness a variety of busy pollinators dancing the petal's edge. For additional Information, visit the US Fish & Wildlife Pollinator Website or Click here to view a copy of the Attracting Pollinators to your Garden booklet (500 KB)
Refuge Open to Walk-in/Hiking Access. Grab your camera and pack your lunch, interior refuge lands, roads, and Wildlife Drive are open to walk-in traffic. This is your chance to view the spring wildlife as you hike the miles and miles of peaceful interior roads. Bring a friend or group as a variety of wildlife await. Where do I begin? Stop by the headquarters building for a tour route map or park near one of the closed gates/parking areas and begin your trek. Click here for a printable brochure with tour route map (1.32 MB)
Wildlife Drive Auto Tour Route Remains Closed to Vehicle Traffic. Normally open April 1st, the Wildlife Drive auto tour route is presently closed to vehicle traffic for repairs. Due to extreme flooding conditions over the past three years, the roads have become unsafe for vehicle use. Throughout the summer, portions of the tour route will open to vehicle traffic as repairs are made - notices will be posted here as well as in the visitor center. The auto tour route is open to hiking/walking.
"Let's Go Outside" Backpacks Available - Free to Use. When planning your next family/group visit to Sand Lake, why not check out one of the "Let's Go Outside" backpacks to expand your child's outdoor experience. The lightweight backpacks include binoculars, bug jar, insect and butterfly net, magnifying glass, field guides, activity cards, personal journals, and much more. These backpacks are designed to assist with young adventurers in discovering the many treasures hidden in the great outdoors. Stop by the visitor's center to check out one of our two available backpacks. For more information on the "Let's Go Outside" program, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Let's Go Outside website.
Asian Carp Have Arrived. Or at the least, moving through. Shiny new signs erected by the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department at Sand Lake's favorite fishing locations add to the continuing tale of the Asian carp invasion. Native to Southeast Asia, the carp escaped into the Mississippi River system from southern state holding ponds in the 1970s. Over the years, they have moved up numerous tributaries including the Missouri River and the now the James. More information on the fishing page.
Firewood Cutting Permits still Available. Opportunity to cut limited amounts of firewood for personal use. Cutting will only be allowed in designated areas during designated timeframes on a first come, first serve basis. Click here to view additional information.
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)
