Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 14, 2025
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of North Dakota and is a great destination for nature lovers.
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Summary
The refuge offers a variety of habitats for wildlife, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. There are many good reasons to visit the refuge, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can see a variety of species including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and large mammals like deer and coyotes.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge include the observation deck on the north side of the refuge, the hiking trails through the forest and wetlands, and the fishing opportunities on Lake Audubon. Visitors can also learn about the history of the area at the visitor center, which has exhibits on the refuge's wildlife and ecosystems.
Interesting facts about the area include that the refuge was established in 1958 to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, and that it is named after John James Audubon, a famous artist and naturalist who documented many species of birds in North America. The refuge is also home to a variety of endangered and threatened species, including the whooping crane and the northern peregrine falcon.
The best time of year to visit Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migration seasons, when visitors can see a variety of bird species passing through the area. The refuge is also open year-round for hiking and other activities, although some areas may be closed during hunting season in the fall. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and should follow all rules and regulations to help protect the wildlife and habitat of the refuge.
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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.
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