Buffalo Lake was created with the building of Umbarger Dam in 1938 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1958, the 7,664 acres were transferred to the Department of Interior and in 1959, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established. Although the lake is dry, visitors can enjoy many wildlife dependent activities such as wildlife watching and photography, environmental interpretation and education, hiking, camping and picnicking.
Accepting Public Comments on Proposed Hunt Program Changes

The refuge is seeking public review and comment on a proposed hunting plan that would add archery as a new method of take to expand existing deer hunting, with incidental take of feral hog, on 7,037 acres. The public is invited to review the draft documents, including the draft hunt plan, compatibility determination as appropriate, and environmental compliance documentation. The draft documents are available through the Federal Register docket number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031. 

The comment period will stay open for 45-days from May 15 through June 30, 2025.  Please submit your comments directly through the Federal Register. 

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the auto tour road, watching wildlife, hiking, camping and picnicking. 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Visitors can see many bird species including neotropical migrants such as warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, and sparrows that pass through each spring and fall. Black-tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl, Cassin’s and lark sparrows, and bald and golden eagle can be seen on the refuge in the grasslands. Snakes, horned lizards, and ornate box turtles are present.