Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Prairie_Flacon_118x150

    A Success Story!

    A prairie falcon delivered by refuge staff to the Montana Raptor Conservation Center with a broken leg and wing was released on November 1.

  • BWTE_Band_118x150

    Weary Traveler....

    A Blue-winged Teal banded on the refuge in August 2011 was found in Haiti November 2012.

News

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory

A harmful algal bloom has been detected at this location. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can produce toxins that can cause serious illness in pets, other animals and humans. Please see link below for more information.

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory

Sharp Tailed Grouse Observation Blind

It's that time of year that sharp tailed grouse are performing their mating dances and the Medicine Lake NWR Sharp Tailed Grouse Observation Blind is available for reservation by calling the Refuge office at 406-789-2305

Hunting and Fishing

You are invited to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities on the Refuge. Please consult the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge Public Use Regulations brochure for information and regulations associated with these activities.

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge Public Use Regulations

Observation Tower

November 26, 2012 Observation_Tower_80x200

Due to safety concerns, our observation tower will be closed to the public indefinitely. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Birds of the Refuge

Bird List

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Designated a Globally Important Bird Area in the United States by the American Bird Conservancy, the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge bird list includes 283 species seen in the area since the Refuge was established.

Medicine Lake NWR Bird List (214KB PDF)

About the Complex

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Medicine Lake 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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