Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho, 12 miles northeast of Rupert. It includes 80 miles of shoreline around Lake Walcott, from Minidoka Dam upstream about 25 miles. The refuge headquarters is located in Lake Walcott State Park

Visit Us

There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on our refuge.  Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity.  Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself.  There are plenty of activities on Minidoka for you to enjoy.  Be safe and have fun!

Location and Contact Information

      Need a Permit?

      Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law.  Service permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. 

      Visit our Special Use Permits websites, or contact the refuge manager at (208) 436-3589 for assistance.

      About Us

      Dozens of American White pelicans sitting on nesting islands in the middle of a lake.
      Image Details

      The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The US Bureau of Reclamation operates the dam and power plant and controls the water levels in the reservoir. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages Lake Walcott State Park, a 30 acre fee area park near the dam that offers campgrounds, picnic areas, a disc golf course, cabins, and a boat ramp.