Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive Auto Tour Length: 9 miles Time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours Open: Year-round (road may be closed due to inclement weather conditions) Hours: Daylight hours only Come visit the Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive, a winding gravel road that will bring you in close contact with...

Waterfowl and upland game bird hunting is permitted on the Refuge in designated hunting areas starting with the opening of State waterfowl season and closing November 30th.  The Refuge complies with State hunting regulations, and enforces several Refuge specific hunting regulations,...

The pumphouse unit of the Refuge is open for fishing. Contact Refuge staff for specific regulations  

Come visit the Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive, a winding, 9-mile long gravel road that will bring you in close contact with wildlife and their habitats. Success in seeing wildlife depends on observation skills, timing, the season, and just plain luck. The timing of your visit makes a difference;...

Enjoy hiking on the Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive year-round, weather permitting.  Hiking is also allowed on Lower Marsh Road and on the Unit IVb Trail from July 15 until the opening of waterfowl hunting season.

Enjoy bicycling on the Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive year-round.  Bicycling is also allowed on Lower Marsh Road from July 15 until the opening of waterfowl hunting season.

The entire Refuge is open to cross-country skiing from December 15 to February 28.

Listen to the call of the wild from the photo/observation blind on the north end of Unit 1. Sit virtually unseen and watch the shorebirds and waterfowl forage for food or fly directly overhead. The blind, an Eagle Scout project, provides viewing opportunities and is furnished with two chairs and...