J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

• Overview
• Reservoirs
• Rivers
• Fishing
• Boat Ramps
• Explore

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northern part of North Dakota and was established in 1935. It covers over 58,700 acres of wetlands and grasslands, providing an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

There are several good reasons to visit the refuge, including bird watching, fishing, and hiking. The refuge is home to over 200 species of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. Visitors can also fish for northern pike, walleye, and other species in several of the refuge's lakes and streams. The refuge has several hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the area's varied landscapes, from prairie grasslands to wetlands.

Some specific points of interest at the refuge include Tetrault Woods, a remnant of a once-vast forest that covered the area, and the J. Clark Salyer Museum, which provides visitors with an overview of the refuge's history and wildlife.

Interesting facts about the refuge include that it was named after J. Clark Salyer, a former chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Wildlife Refuges, who played a key role in establishing the National Wildlife Refuge system. The refuge was also instrumental in the recovery of the once-endangered whooping crane, with several pairs now nesting in the area.

The best time of year to visit the refuge depends on visitors' interests. Spring and fall are popular times for bird watching, as many species migrate through the area during those seasons. Summer is a popular time for fishing, while winter offers the chance to see snowshoe hares and other wildlife adapted to the cold climate.