Visit Us

National wildlife refuges are wonderful places to connect with the natural world. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the Refuge activities noted below. Any activities not mentioned below are prohibited due to their incompatibility with the wildlife conservation mission and goals of Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge.

Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge is located in central McLean County North Dakota, 9 miles northwest of Turtle Lake, ND and five miles east of Lake Audubon. The Refuge offers wildlife observation, photography, and hunting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The rolling prairie hills and wetland areas offer a scenic and serene experience of the Refuge’s habitats and wildlife. The remote location provides visitors a chance to stretch their legs, clear their lungs, and immerse themselves in the peaceful sounds of nature.

Prairie
Image Details

Activities

We invite you to enjoy deer hunting, wildlife observation, and photography opportunities on the Refuge.

See Refuge hunting regulations for hunting zones and seasons.

Hunting
Wildlife watching
Photography
Archery

Other Facilities in the Complex

Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge part of the Audubon Wetland Management District.  The District manages an array of private and fee-title land held by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Prairie Pothole Landscape
Audubon Wetland Management District
The Audubon Wetland Management District oversees approximately 155,000 acres of U.S. Fish and Wildlife land and interests. This includes 84 Waterfowl Production Areas, 12 National Wildlife Refuges, and numerous wetland and grassland easements in McLean and Sheridan Counties. These lands have...
National Wildlife Refuge
Coleharbor,ND
Sunset on Lake Audubon
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,739-acre refuge that attracts numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds, song birds, and other migratory birds. The Refuge occupies the southern portion of Lake Audubon and adjacent lands of native prairie, planted grasslands, and wetlands. The Refuge lies...
National Wildlife Refuge
Coleharbor,ND
Lake Ilo NWR
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 560 refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the National Wildlife Refuge System-a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving wildlife...
National Wildlife Refuge
Dunn Center,ND
Canada Geese
McLean National Wildlife Refuge
McLean National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 565 refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the National Wildlife Refuge System - a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving wildlife...
National Wildlife Refuge
Stewart_Lake_NWR
Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 560 refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the National Wildlife Refuge System-a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving...
National Wildlife Refuge
Coleharbor,ND
Prairie Wetland_Audubon WMD
White Lake National Wildlife Refuge
White Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 565 refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the National Wildlife Refuge System - a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving...
National Wildlife Refuge
Coleharbor,ND

Rules and Policies

Protecting the Refuge

For the protection of wildlife, habitat and other visitors, please observe the following regulations:

  • The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Vehicles must stay on designated roads.
  • Plants, animals, artifacts and other natural materials are protected and may not be disturbed.
  • Pets must be leashed or contained in a vehicle.
  • All litter must be packed out.
  • Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local laws. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
Prohibited Activities
  • Fishing
  • Horseback riding
  • Camping
  • Fires
  • Recreational Water Sports
  • Devices capable of shooting or directing a projectile or liquid at another person or wildlife

Locations

Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge
(701) 442-5474
C/O Audubon National Wildlife Refuge3275 11th Street NWColeharbor,ND58531-9419
Driving Directions

Lake Nettie is located 6 miles northwest of Turtle Lake, ND and five miles east of Lake Audubon.  From Turtle Lake, ND head north on County Highway 41 for 8 miles, then west on County Road 8 for 5 miles.

Hours
Visitor Center
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM