Facility Activities

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of activities for visitors, including fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, photography, ranger-led programs, environmental education, hiking and boating. There may be specific rules or permits required for some activities, so it’s best to plan ahead. Most activities are available year round.

Hunting

Migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting were expanded in 2015.Swan Lake NWR was created to protect habitat for ducks and prairie chickens. Geese were rare visitors until 1941 when 800 Canada geese wintered at the refuge. Over the years, the refuge gradually attracted...

Fishing

Major species include carp, buffalo and bluegill. Fishing season is March 1-October 15. Boat motors on Silver Lake are restricted to 10 hp or less.

Auto tour
Auto tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Boating - motorized
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Dog walking
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.
Firewood cutting
Seasonal firewood gathering is available at a few sites, by permit. Tree cutting is generally limited to dead and downed trees or non-native trees. Some refuges have stopped allowing firewood cutting to stem the spread of the emerald ash borer, an invasive pest. Check individual sites for more information.
Education programs
School program activities are available at a number of facilities.
Hiking
Take your pick of 2,100 miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Ranger-led programs
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Trapping
Trapping is carefully managed to ensure safety and the sustainability of wildlife populations. Permitted trapping on refuges typically mirrors state regulations, and trappers who access refuge lands for recreation must possess state licenses and follow state regulations as well as permit stipulations.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.