Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

The auto-tour route generally remains closed to vehicle traffic after the first major snowfall in December and remains closed until March or April. Visitors are welcome to walk the auto tour route from the small parking lot at its entrance. Check our website or call our office if you have any...

Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose...

From majestic bald eagles to shy but vocal grasshopper sparrows, Big Stone NWR is a haven for birds. The refuge is part of the Big Stone-Lac qui Parle Important Bird Area (IBA) recognized by Audubon Minnesota. Over 250 species have been recorded.

Non-motorized boats are permitted only on the Minnesota River Channel. Navigation may be challenging on the western part of the refuge due to down trees, but several miles of unobstructed river can be enjoyed both up and downstream from the public boat launch less than a mile south of refuge...

All trails and roads are open to cross-country skiing. The Auto Tour Route is closed to vehicle traffic when snow covers it during the winter and is one of the better places to ski. Maintenance roads also make good ski trails. Please do not block locked gates with vehicles.

Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control when on the refuge. Dogs are only allowed off leash for hunting during the appropriate season, and must be kept under control at all times.

Please contact refuge staff if you are interested in any education programs.

Fishing is offered along banks of the reservoir and the refuge's rivers -- the Minnesota and the Yellow Bank. Available species include northern pike, bullhead, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and yellow perch. Boats must stay in the Minnesota River channel; only non-motorized boats or...

There are 2.4 miles of hiking trails on the refuge. The Minnesota Headwater's treail connects to the Sellin Bike Trail on the north boarder of the refuge that goes all the way to Ortonville, MN. All maintenance roads also are open to hiking. Please park only in designated areas and do not block...

A variety of species can be hunted on Big Stone NWR, but most hunters come here to pursue pheasant. On a good year, sportsmen find birds throughout the grassland habitat that surrounds the refuge's marshes and lakes. The first two weekends of the season can be crowded, but hunters who come later...

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects this refuge. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, the Auto Tour and various overlooks are great places to start to help you get the images you’re after.

All trails and roads are open to snowshoeing. The Auto Tour Route is closed to vehicle traffic when snow covers it during the winter and is one of the better places to snowshoe. Maintenance roads also make good snowshoe trails. Please do not block locked gates with vehicles.

Sunrise and sunset hours are the best time to see wildlife on the refuge. Most animals prefer to stay out of sight in the middle of the day. River otters, beavers, badgers, coyotes, bald eagles, mink, white-tailed deer, pelicans, abundant waterfowl species, leopard frogs, monarch butterflies,...