Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in northeastern South Dakota with lakes, wetlands, and grasslands that support many types of animals. The site includes several viewing areas accessible from a state highway and has a driving route on the western side.

The refuge was created in 1935 as part of an era focused on economic recovery and land conservation. Workers built dams that created the water features still seen here today.

The refuge gets its name from Sand Lake, the central water body that visitors use today for watching birds and observing nature. It serves as a gathering place where people come to understand wetland ecosystems and their inhabitants.

Wear sturdy shoes since pathways can be wet or muddy depending on the season. Early morning is the best time to visit when animals are active and visibility is clear.

The refuge hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of a gull species found nowhere else in such numbers in the region. This bird concentration draws observers specifically interested in studying colonial nesting behavior during summer months.

Location: Brown County

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/sand_lake

GPS coordinates: 45.77250,-98.25250

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43