Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area with prairie grassland, wetlands, and a man-made lake covering approximately 4,000 acres. The refuge contains multiple habitats that support hundreds of bird species and other wildlife throughout the year.

The refuge was established in 1939 as a result of local efforts to build a dam during the Dust Bowl era. Archaeological evidence shows that people inhabited this land thousands of years before its modern creation.

The name derives from Dakota language meaning water, reflecting the land's indigenous heritage. This connection remains visible in how the landscape is used and understood by those who visit today.

The refuge is open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset with multiple ways to explore. Visitors can fish, watch birds, hike, or use the picnic area with grills throughout the grounds.

Controlled burning and strategic water management are used to create nesting conditions for waterfowl across the landscape. These active management practices shape what visitors see and how wildlife uses the space throughout the seasons.

Location: Dunn County

Inception: 1939

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

GPS coordinates: 47.33640,-102.68800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:01