Summary
It was established in 1937 to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse range of bird species that inhabit the refuge, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. The refuge also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting (during established seasons).
One of the main points of interest at Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge is the lake itself, which covers more than 1,000 acres and is a popular spot for fishing. Visitors can also explore the refuge's grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Lake Zahl is a natural lake that was formed by glaciers. The refuge was also used as a bombing range during World War II, and visitors can still see remnants of the bombing targets in some areas of the refuge.
The best time of year to visit Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge depends on your interests. Spring and fall are the best times for birdwatching, as migratory birds pass through the area. Summer is a good time for fishing and hiking, while winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
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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