Facility Activities

Recreational opportunities are available year-round depending on your interest. The most prominent public uses at this refuge are hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education.

Auto tour

Our 4.5-mile auto tour route begins as you enter the Refuge from North Dakota State Highway 57. Once you pass through the entrance gate, you are inside the large animal enclosure where bison, elk, and deer are present. For the safety of animals and visitors, please remain in your vehicle except...

Wildlife watching

Upon entering the refuge, you are in the large animal enclosure and driving on part of the auto tour route. Watch for bison, elk, and deer. Other frequently observed mammals include fox, coyote, and grey and fox squirrels. 

When you arrive at the visitor center parking lot, we...

Photography

Whether you enjoy landscape, wildlife, macro, or any form of nature photography, you will enjoy a trip to White Horse Hill. Visitors use their vehicle as a blind to photograph American bison, Rocky Mountain elk, black-tailed prairie dogs, deer, fox, squirrels and many other species often seen...

Hiking

Visitors of all ages and abilities enjoy exploring the trail system at the Refuge. All hiking trails except the climb to the top of White Horse Hill originate at the visitor center parking lot. A map is available on the main kiosk and is also posted at every intersection along the trail with a "...

Accessible trails

A 1/4-mile concrete trail begins and ends at the visitor center main parking lot. The trail takes visitors on a gently winding path through a wooded area where a variety of species of birds may be seen and heard. An overlook deck provides a spectacular view across Fort Totten Bay before the...

Birding

More than 210 species of birds have been documented at the Refuge throughout the years. For the beginning birder, winter may be the best time to begin. You can start with a short list of species and grow your skills as birds return to their breeding grounds in the summer. For the avid birder...

Education programs

Through a formal partnership between Devils Lake Central Middle School and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5th-grade students and their teachers from Central Middle School in Devils Lake utilize both the indoor classrooms and outdoor facilities the entire school year for instruction of math...