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 to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge can participate in many activities including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, hunting and photography. We also offer educational programs including tours, workshops, children’s activities and more. The visitor center provides refuge information and includes an exhibit area, wildlife observation deck and bird feeding station.
Visitor Center Hours: May 15 - October 15 : Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm, open weekends Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm Jan & Feb: Sundays 12:00-4:00 PM with free snowshoe rental. Closed Mondays & Federal Holidays.
Other Facilities in the Complex
The refuge also overlaps a wetland management district wetland management district
A wetland management district is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office that manages waterfowl production areas in one or more counties. Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Service acquires waterfowl production areas under the authority of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, primarily using funds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. The Refuge System’s 38 wetland management districts comprise thousands of waterfowl production areas – almost all in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Northern Great Plains.
Learn more about wetland management district .
Rules and Policies
Refuge Regulations
Tamarac Refuge is a special place established for wildlife. While not a park, there are a variety of ways people can enjoy this habitat and connect with nature.
As visitors, we must understand and respect the following regulations to minimize disturbance.
- Visitor use hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
- Camping and overnight parking is prohibited.
- Collection or disturbing any plant, animal or object is prohibited.
- Nuts, berries and mushrooms may be collected in areas open to foot traffic.
- ATVs, snowmobiles and motorized personal watercraft are prohibited on refuge lands and waters.
- Bicycles and horses are not permitted on refuge trails or service roads. County and township roads may be used. Bicycles are permitted on the wildlife drive, however, horses are not.
- Vehicles are not permitted on the ice. Ice houses must be removed at the end of each day.
- Boating, canoeing and kayaking are permitted only on lakes open to summer fishing and fall migratory bird hunting.
- Blackbird Lake is open to non-motorized boats or electric boat motor use only. Only open spring and summer.
- Swimming, waterskiing, tubing, and motorized personal watercraft are prohibited.
- Fires are permitted only in grills at the Chippewa Picnic Site.
- Possession of firearms or weapons is prohibited in the visitor center and other federal buildings.
- Pets must be kept on a leash or under control at all times.
- Drones (unmanned aircraft) are not permitted on refuge lands.