Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area spanning 7,664 acres with diverse landscape types including shortgrass prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and canyons throughout the Texas Panhandle. The site is watered by Umbarger Dam and provides habitat for numerous bird species and other wildlife.

This site took shape with the construction of Umbarger Dam in 1938, a federal water storage project tied to the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act. The dam made possible the creation of a refuge protecting local plants and animals.

This refuge showcases the natural communities of the Texas Panhandle, where visitors watch wildlife thriving in their native habitats. The on-site interpretation helps people understand how different species and environments depend on each other.

You can explore the area by car via a designated auto tour route and watch birds, especially during spring and fall migrations. The best time to visit is before sunrise, when wildlife is most active.

A 175-acre section was designated as a National Natural Landmark and contains a canyon carved by Tierra Blanca Creek with changing water levels. This gorge offers striking views of the region's geological history.