Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is located in Grayson County, Texas, and covers over 11,300 acres of land.


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Summary

It was established in 1946 to provide a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is home to over 300 species of birds, as well as numerous other animals such as deer, coyotes, and bobcats.

Some of the good reasons to visit Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge include bird watching, hiking, fishing, and hunting. There are also several educational programs and events offered throughout the year, such as guided nature walks and birding classes.

One of the main points of interest to see at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is Lake Texoma, which provides a habitat for several species of fish and attracts a variety of waterfowl. Visitors can also explore the many hiking trails throughout the refuge, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the area include that it is home to the largest stand of big bluestem grass in North America and that it was once the site of a major Native American trading post.

The best time of year to visit Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months, when many migratory birds stop at the refuge on their way south for the winter. However, there is plenty to see and do at the refuge year-round.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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