Summary
The refuge was established in 1935 to provide a safe haven for migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, as well as other wildlife species. The refuge covers an area of 19,500 acres and is home to a variety of habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands.
There are several good reasons to visit Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, including bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife photography. The refuge is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 270 species of birds recorded in the area. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for walleye, northern pike, and other game fish in the refuge's lakes and rivers.
One of the main points of interest at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes several smaller refuges in the area. The complex is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including bison, elk, and pronghorn.
Other interesting facts about Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge include its location on the Central Flyway, a major migratory route for waterfowl and other birds, and its role in preserving the habitat for several endangered species, including the piping plover and the whooping crane.
The best time of year to visit Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching, while summer is a great time for fishing and hiking. Hunting is allowed in the refuge during the fall and winter months.
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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