Facility Activities

The refuge offers a self-guided auto tour drive, three hiking trails and observation decks with spotting scopes, all which provide visitors opportunities for nature study, wildlife observation and photography. All are open from May through mid-October during daylight hours. It's always good to call ahead if planning a trip to make sure facilities are open and available.

For a true bird’s-eye view of the refuge and surrounding area, visitors can climb the 100-foot tower located near headquarters. You can obtain a key for the tower during office hours during snow-free months. 

Auto tour
Auto tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.
Biking

Biking is allowed only on the Lost Bay Habitat Drive.

Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing at Agassiz Refuge is only allowed on Rodahl Trail. The trail itself is not groomed for skiing, and the road to access the trail is not regulary maintained duing the winter, so caution is advised.   

Dog walking

Dogs are allowed on the three designated hiking trails, and must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be cosiderate and pick up after your pet.  

Education programs
School program activities are available at a number of facilities.
Hiking

The refuge offers 3 hiking trails: Maakstad Hiking Trail (1/4-mile) along the auto drive. Headquarters Hiking Trail (1/2-mile) located at Headquarters, and Rodahl Trail (1.5-miles) locatated by Farmes Pool. Hiking is only allowed on the designated hiking trails previously listed, and on the auto...

Hunting

Deer hunting on Agassiz refuge is a long-standing tradition. In 2009 Agassiz expanded its hunting opportunities to include muzzleloader and archery deer hunting, grouse hunting, and special youth deer and waterfowl hunts.Some seasons are in accordance with state regulations; others have delayed...

Photography

Photography is allowed to occur on the refuge from designated hiking trails, overlooks/observation decks and roads open to the general public only. 

Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing at Agassiz Refuge is only allowed on Rodahl Trail. The trail itself is not groomed, and the road to access the trail is not regulary maintained duing the winter, so caution is advised.   

Wildlife watching

Wildlife observation opportunities are best in the early morning or late afternoon hours, when animals are foraging for food.

Waterfowl Observation Periods

Canada geese and trumpeter swans start arriving in mid-March;Ducks start arriving in early April;May through mid-June is the best...