Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Sheridan County, Montana.
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in northeastern Montana featuring a main lake surrounded by smaller lakes and numerous wetland depressions. The refuge also contains grasslands and marshes that together create a varied landscape.
The refuge was established in 1935 to protect habitat for migratory birds. In 1980 it received designation as a National Natural Landmark.
The name Medicine Lake comes from the Assiniboine language, meaning 'healing water'. This reflects how indigenous peoples traditionally understood the significance of this place and its waters.
The refuge offers a self-guided auto route through grassland and wetland habitats with marked viewing areas for wildlife. Binoculars and a camera are helpful for spotting the various birds and other animals found here.
The refuge hosts one of North America's largest colonies of American white pelicans. Thousands of these large birds nest here each year, making it a major gathering spot for the species.
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