5275441
Two wildland firefighters using drip torches to set a prescribed fire. Fire is burning in a grassland behind them.
Auto Tour Route CLOSED 4/22/25 - Prescribed Fire

The Auto Tour Route and Sellin Bike Trail into the refuge will be CLOSED to all traffic Tuesday, April 22 due to a large prescribed fire. It will likely be closed Wednesday, April 23 as well. Check here for updates.

Fire is a natural part of prairie ecosystems. Historically started by indigenous peoples and lightning, fires play a vital role in removing dead litter and trees from open prairie landscapes. While dark smoke releases some CO2 into the atmosphere during the burn, the removal of dead vegetation prompts vigorous root growth that captures CO2 deep underground. This further enriches the black dirt for which the Midwest is famous. Many wildflowers experience massive blooms after fires, increasing seed production and benefiting pollinators. While some wildlife may perish in the fires, most are able to flee or escape underground. Fires are conducted early enough that many bird species will renest if their nests are lost. In the long-term, fire maintains open prairie landscapes, which are crucial for the long-term persistence of many threatened and endangered prairie adapted species.

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge was originally purchased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on May 21, 1975. The refuge currently includes 11,586 acres in Big Stone and Lac qui Parle Counties, in Minnesota.

Visit Us

The Auto Tour Route is open the first Monday in April to the first Monday in December unless otherwise noted in the alerts on our Home Page.  

Connect with your natural heritage as you experience wildlife, diverse habitats and magnificent granite outcrops at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Location and Contact Information

Marker
    A refuge volunteer helps repair a boardwalk
    Seeking Volunteers!

    We are seeking volunteers to help with seasonal activities on the Refuge. These include regular maintenance tasks, mowing, trail improvements, invasive species invasive species
    An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

    Learn more about invasive species     treatment, and more. Come join us out on the prairie!

    What We Do

    Services
    Cows examine the camera while standing in a grassland
    Grazing Opportunities at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

    Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge will be allowing cattle grazing on two units of the Refuge beginning in 2024. Grazing unit descriptions, requirements, and maps can be found in the bid packet. Cooperators are responsible for following all terms and conditions identified in the requirements and...

    Service
    Agriculture
    Farmer/Rancher
    An old, red, closed-cab tractor pulls a green round-baler on a waterfowl production area.
    2024 Haying Opportunities

    Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Wetland Management District (WMD) are offering 14 haying opportunities. Haying is used to manage grassland habitat by providing more diverse vegetation structure for nesting birds and other species. Hay units range in size from approximately 9 to 124...

    Service
    Agriculture
    Farmer/Rancher

    Our Organization

    A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
    Program
    Washington,DC