War Horse National Wildlife Refuge

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Petroleum County made up of three separate units featuring ponderosa pine forest, grassland savanna, and sagebrush plains. The varied landscapes support diverse wildlife and provide important stopover habitat for migratory birds.

The refuge was established in 1958 as part of efforts to protect migratory bird populations and native wildlife across the region. This designation helped secure important habitats at a time when conservation priorities were shifting toward ecosystem protection.

The refuge maintains important ecological research programs that monitor over 350 species of wildlife, contributing to Montana's conservation knowledge.

The refuge is divided into three separate units that visitors can explore independently for wildlife observation and photography. The War Horse Unit is located northwest of Winnett and serves as the main access point for visitors exploring this landscape.

The Yellow Water Reservoir within the refuge experiences dramatic water level fluctuations that constantly reshape habitats for fish and waterfowl throughout the year. These changing conditions make each season distinctly different for visitors to experience.

Location: Montana

Inception: 1958

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

GPS coordinates: 46.90440,-108.50200

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03