Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in North Dakota featuring a large lake dotted with numerous islands, expansive wetlands, and native prairie grasslands. The site provides habitat for numerous animal and bird species throughout the year.

The refuge was established in 1955 as Snake Creek National Wildlife Refuge and renamed in 1967 to honor naturalist John James Audubon. This name change reflected a shift in how the site was managed and protected.

The visitor center displays exhibits about prairie habitats and the migratory birds that pass through these lands. You can learn how wetlands and grasslands support the creatures that depend on them.

A gravel loop road runs about 8 miles along the southern shoreline, while a shorter walking trail is available near the center for those who prefer to explore on foot. Both routes let you see the landscape at your own pace.

Researchers have documented an extraordinary range of species here since the middle of the last century, from birds to mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This long history of scientific observation makes the site valuable for understanding how wild populations change over time.

Location: North Dakota

Inception: 1955

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

GPS coordinates: 47.59060,-101.17300

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07