Summary
The refuge consists of over 27,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and riparian habitat and provides a critical habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including wildlife viewing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Some of the notable points of interest within the refuge include the Cokeville Meadows Environmental Education Center, which offers educational programs and exhibits, and the Cokeville Meadows Auto Tour Route, which provides visitors with a scenic drive through the refuge's diverse habitats. Interesting facts about the refuge include its location in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, its role in supporting threatened and endangered species such as the sage grouse and the American bittern, and its history as a former ranching and farming community. The best time to visit the refuge is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild, and many migratory birds and other wildlife species are present. Overall, the Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty and diversity of Wyoming's natural landscapes.
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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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