Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve the coastal prairie habitat and the critically endangered Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken. Although the refuge was established for the benefit of the prairie-chicken, the refuge is host or home to many other wildlife species found on this prairie.  

FAQs

1. When is the best time to see an Attwater's prairie-chicken (APC)? 

   Good question! It depends on the season and time of day. Lekking or mating season occurs during late February through early April. The birds are most active after sunrise. Our annual April festival offers a good chance of seeing them lekking! If you can't make it, no worries. Try driving slowly on the Auto Tour Loop and look for areas of low vegetation or bare ground. Look for bright orange air sacs and listen for a booming sound. Vehicles make for the best bird blinds. 

2. Can I see an APC any other time of year?

   Short answer is yes, with a caveat. There is always a chance you could stumble upon an APC along the Auto Tour Loop early in the morning while the birds are out looking for breakfast. But outside of lekking season (spring), APCs are mostly illusive.

3. What are your visiting hours?

   Our public trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. This includes the Auto Tour Loop, Sycamore Trail, and Horseshoe Lake Trail. Our public restrooms are always available. They are located near the Visitor Center. 

   From November to May, our Visitor Center is open Tuesdays - Saturdays from 8:00am to 3:30pm. From June to October, our Visitor Center is open Thursdays - Saturdays from 8:00am to 3:30pm.