Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge covers 21,498 acres of wetlands, lakes, and grasslands along the James River, providing habitats for numerous bird species and mammals.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in 1935 to protect wildlife after widespread habitat loss in the early 1900s.

Native Americans, fur traders, and early explorers such as John C. Fremont and Joseph N. Nicollet utilized these wetlands for hunting and gathering.

Visitors can access the refuge from Highway 281 north to Highway 10 east, with the main entrance located 27 miles northeast of Aberdeen.

The refuge hosts the largest breeding colony of Franklin's gulls worldwide and receives up to 1.2 million snow geese during spring migrations.

Location: Greenfield Township

Address: 39650 Sand Lake Dr, Columbia, SD 57433, USA 57433 Columbia

Opening Hours: Lundi-Vendredi 08:00-17:00

Phone: +16055468157

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

GPS coordinates: 45.77775,-98.23808

Latest update: March 11, 2025 21:24