Facility Activities

Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreational opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving or hiking. Regulation of recreational activities allow for public enjoyment of the Refuge while still protecting wildlife and habitats. Typically there aren't any closed areas to foot traffic on the Refuge, but seasonal or temporary closures may occur. If you come across a closed area, please respect it to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. 

A group of mallard ducks with bright green heads in a wetland near Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge.
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Hunting

Diversity is the name of the game at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge. Hunters can pursue up to 18 species on more than 11,000 acres of diverse habitat types. Wing shooters can explore thick wetland edges for roosters and rough Sandhill ranges for sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens....

Fishing

Anglers may fish on all Refuge waters. At times, it may be necessary to restrict fishing areas with signs to protect nesting Trumpeter swans. 

Primary management emphasis is for migratory birds, and most pools are partially or fully drawn down during some portion of the year. The use...

Auto tour

A popular component of our public use program is a four and one half mile auto tour route that originates at the Visitor Center. You are welcome to explore places of interest on foot. Large numbers of trumpeter swans and other waterfowl may be observed from October through March. You will also...

Birding

Lacreek NWR offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Abundant habitat, water in an arid landscape, and light visitation provides an opportunity for a good sighting around every corner throughout the year. During the winter, large concentrations of trumpeter swans...

Boating - motorized

Read more here to learn where and how boating is allowed. Boats with electric motors are allowed only in Pool 10 while fishing and hunting. Motorized boats are allowed only in the Little White River Recreation Area. 

Boating - non-motorized

Manually powered boats (non-motorized) are allowed on all open Refuge waters. 

Camping

The Little White River Recreation Area is part of the Lacreek NWR and is the only part of the Refuge that allows camping. Sites are first-come, first-serve and are primitive with vault toilets. The Little White River Reservoir offers fishing, boating and picnicking. Hunting is allowed...

Hiking

In addition to our walking trails, visitors are welcome to explore the Refuge on foot in all areas open to the public, including the Sandhills!

Walking Trails

The Pelican Island Trail is located 2.5 miles north of the visitor center. The trail is a short (0.35 miles...

Photography

Nearly 12 million people visit outdoor areas each year to photograph wildlife, and National Wildlife Refuges naturally are at the top of the list. Refuges provide enhanced opportunities to photograph wildlife in natural habitats by providing platforms, brochures, interpreters, viewing areas, and...

Wildlife watching

Lacreek NWR offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Abundant habitat, water in an arid landscape, and light visitation provides an opportunity for a good sighting around every corner throughout the year. During the winter, large concentrations of trumpeter swans...