DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge spans the Missouri River banks between Nebraska and Iowa and protects an important wetland area. The central DeSoto Lake stretches through the refuge and provides habitat for various mammal species and bird populations that use the site throughout the year.

The refuge was established in the 1950s to protect natural habitats along the Missouri River. A significant discovery in 1968 revealed the remains of the Bertrand steamboat, which sank in 1865 and preserved thousands of artifacts from that era.

The refuge sits along a crucial migration corridor where flocks of snow geese gather during spring and fall movements between their breeding and wintering areas. This stopping point shapes how visitors experience the landscape, with seasonal shifts in bird activity marking the passage of months.

The refuge offers driving and walking trails that let visitors explore different habitats and waterways throughout the site. The best time to visit is during migration season when most bird species are active and easy to observe.

In the 1960s the Missouri River channel was deliberately diverted westward, turning the old river bend into what is now DeSoto Lake. This engineering project was designed for flood control but created an unexpected benefit for wildlife habitat.

Location: Nebraska

Inception: March 12, 1958

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

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

GPS coordinates: 41.52370,-96.01790

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40