Summary
The refuge is a wetland area covering 5,638 acres, of which 4,200 acres are water. It was established in 1936 to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds.
There are several good reasons to visit Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place for birdwatching, with over 240 species of birds sighted in the area. The refuge also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife photography.
Some specific points of interest to see at the refuge include the Lake Andes Visitor Center, which provides information about the area's wildlife and history. Other notable areas include the Fort Randall Dam Overlook, which offers views of the Missouri River, and the Lake Andes Wetland Management District, which provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other birds.
Interesting facts about the area include that it is a major stopover point for migratory birds, and that the refuge is home to several threatened or endangered species, including the bald eagle, the piping plover, and the interior least tern.
The best time of year to visit Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge depends on personal preference. Spring and fall are good times for birdwatching, as many species migrate through the area during those seasons. Summer offers opportunities for fishing and hiking, while winter provides opportunities for ice fishing and snowshoeing.
Overall, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit for anyone interested in wildlife, nature, and outdoor activities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References