Tours
Take a leisurely drive at your pace through Refuge wetlands while viewing wildlife with a backdrop of beautiful scenery! Drive the four and one half mile tour route that originates at the Visitor Center. You are welcome to explore places of interest on foot!
Large numbers of trumpeter swans, shorebirds and other waterfowl may be observed from October through March. You will likely see white tailed deer, ring necked pheasants, and many other species depending on the time of year. The main Refuge road from Headquarters to the northeast entrance also passes several wildlife observation hotspots, including a large prairie dog town, the Pelican nesting islands, and two of the Refuge's largest wetlands. The Refuge roads that travel to the Trout Ponds are open to public travel and provide additional opportunities for wildlife viewing from a vehicle. All of these roads are gravel and the conditions for travel deteriorate quickly after rainfall or snowmelt events. Check with Refuge Headquarters if in doubt of the road conditions.
Please respect signs in closed areas.