Facility Activities

The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge provides visitor opportunities for five of the six priority public uses identified in the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act Improvement Act of 1997. These include wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation, and hunting. Fishing is not allowed, as there is no sustainable fishery population. 

Hunting

The Refuge is open to deer hunting, moose hunting, turkey hunting, and upland game hunting. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during designated hunting seasons with the proper licenses. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on the Refuge, but opportunities abound on adjacent private ...

Accessible trails

Munch’s Coulee is a designated National Recreation Trail that is 1-¼-miles long. The first one quarter mile of the trail is level, hard-surfaced, and wheelchair accessible. The next 1-mile trail segment is mowed grass with some steep slopes, and provides breathtaking views...

Auto tour

This 19-mile auto tour route provides views of the Des Lacs River Valley and is part of the North Dakota Scenic Backways program. Backways are designated scenic routes throughout the State. Interpretive panels are located along the route and describe Refuge wildlife and habitat. This route...

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.
Boating - non-motorized

Boat Dock Day Use Area / Paddlecraft Area provides access to the water for people using paddlecraft. Paddecrafts are allowed on the water from the Boat Dock Use Area to the Highway 52 crossing.  No swimming is permitted on the Refuge. Tables and a restroom are also located here....

Hiking
The Refuge System offers hundreds of miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking

Tasker's Coulee Day Use Area is a unique wooded area consisting of mowed grass nature trails and opportunities for wildlife observation, hiking, or group events. A historic Civilian Conservation Corps shelter with tables is located near the parking area. A restroom is available at the site.

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Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Snowshoeing
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges loan out gear or rent it at low cost.
Wildlife watching

Wildlife observation is permitted year-round in all open public use areas, nature trails, and the auto tour route. A viewing scope on the observation deck at Refuge headquarters provides visitors with close-up views of waterfowl on Middle Des Lacs Lake. Over 250 species of birds can be seen on...

Education programs

Interpretive displays are available at Refuge headquarters and focus on early history of the area, habitat management, waterfowl production, grassland birds, grebes, sharp-tailed grouse, and butterflies. The Refuge staff hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year.

Boating - non-motorized

Paddecrafts are allowed on the water from the Boat Dock Use Area to the Highway 52 crossing.  No swimming is permitted on the Refuge.