Shutdown Notice
Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, this website will not be updated until further notice. Where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse. Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor's sole risk. Please read this important updated message about the closure of National Wildlife Refuge System facilities during the shutdown, and refer to alerts posted on individual refuge websites for the status of visitor facilities and previously scheduled events that may still occur during the shutdown.

For more information, please visit the Department of Interior webpage at https://www.doi.gov/shutdown

Visitor Information

Hours of Use and Contact Information

Exhibit Hall 61x61 by Brian Rotert/USFWS

The office and visitor center are open Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm year round, except Federal holidays. On the weekday prior to a Federal holiday, we may be closed early. Phone: 701/442-5474, Fax: 701/442-5546, Email: audubon@fws.gov Website: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/audubon

South Shore Auto Tour Route

Auto Tour Route 150x118 by USFWS

The 8-mile gravel tour route begins near the visitor center and winds along the scenic south shoreline of Lake Audubon. Highlights include views of Lake Audubon, prairie wetlands and grasslands, and opportunities to observe many species of birds, other animals, and plants. Visitors are welcome to leave their vehicle and stroll through the prairie or along the wind-blown shoreline of Lake Audubon. A brochure corresponds with numbered signs along the auto tour route.

Auto Tour Route Brochure

Hunting and Ice Fishing

Deer Hunters 61x61 by USFWS

Deer hunting (archery, rifle, and muzzleloader), and a late-season upland bird hunt for pheasant, grouse, and partridge are held on the refuge each year. Anglers may ice fish when ice covers the water. There is no open-water fishing on Audubon Refuge. Special regulations apply for the hunting and ice fishing programs. Please consult the Hunting and Ice Fishing Information and Regulations Brochure.

Hunting and Ice Fishing Information and Regulations Brochure
Watching Wildlife

Wildlife Observation Opportunities

American Avocet 61x61 by Craig Bihrle

Prairie wetlands and grasslands provide habitat for diverse wildlife species, including 246 birds, 34 mammals, 5 reptiles, 4 amphibians, and 37 fish species. Birdwatching enthusiasts seek out the elusive prairie grassland sparrows, the graceful shorebirds, and a variety of nesting or migrating waterfowl that can be observed on the refuge.

Wildlife Checklist Brochure

About the Complex

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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