About Us

Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2000 to address the loss of America’s grasslands and the decline of grassland wildlife. Scientists estimate the original tallgrass prairie in Minnesota and Iowa covered about 25 million acres. Now, there are only about 300,000 acres left in the two states. The refuge was created to work with individuals, groups and government agencies to permanently preserve and restore some of the northern tallgrass prairie. Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge encompasses all or part of 85 counties in western Minnesota and northwestern Iowa. The long-term goal for the refuge is to protect 77,000 acres through conservation easements and government ownership. Easements and purchased lands are managed or overseen by the refuge or wetland management district office covering the area where the lands are located.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

The primary purpose of Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is to preserve and enhance the remaining remnant tracts of northern tallgrass prairie and aspen parklands habitats within Iowa and Minnesota.

Our History

2000 - Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established to address the loss of America’s grasslands and the decline of grassland wildlife.