Audubon National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Location in the United States
Location	McLean County, North Dakota, USA
Nearest city	Coleharbor, ND
Area	14,739 acres (5,965 ha)
Established	1955
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website	Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area in North Dakota, USA. It covers about 14,739 acres (5,965 ha) of land and water. This refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It's a very important part of a larger group of refuges in the area.

The refuge was first created in 1955 and called the Snake Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Later, in 1967, it was renamed to honor John James Audubon. He was a famous artist and naturalist who studied birds. A big part of the refuge is a lake called Audubon Lake. This lake is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Audubon Lake has 100 islands. These islands are perfect places for birds to build their nests. The refuge also has 3,020 acres (1,220 ha) of wetlands. These wet areas are very important for many kinds of birds and mammals. Two special birds, the Baird's sparrow and LeConte's sparrow, nest here in large numbers. This happens during the late spring and summer. Many different animals have been seen here. Since 1956, people have recorded 246 types of birds. They have also found 34 kinds of mammals, five types of reptiles, four types of amphibians, and 37 kinds of fish.

What Can You Do at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge?

Explore the Visitor Center

The Audubon National Wildlife Refuge has a visitor center. Inside, you can see exhibits about the local plants and animals. You can learn about prairie wetlands and grasslands. There are also displays about migratory birds and the animals that come out at night. You can discover the history of the refuge and learn about John James Audubon. There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.

Walk the Trails

Outside the visitor center, you can walk a 1-mile gravel trail. This trail is self-guided, meaning you can explore it on your own. It takes you through beautiful grasslands and along the edge of wetlands. The visitor center is located about 3 miles north of Coleharbor, North Dakota.

Take an Auto Tour

There is an 8-mile gravel road you can drive on. This "auto tour route" winds along the south shore of Lake Audubon. It's a great way to see different parts of the refuge from your car.

Observe Wildlife

If you love watching birds, you can use the special photography blind. This is a hidden spot where you can quietly watch or take pictures of birds. It's located on a calm bay of Lake Audubon.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities

The refuge allows some hunting for certain animals. These include deer, pheasant, grouse, and partridge. In late 2020, a part of the North Country National Scenic Trail opened here. This trail is 14 miles long within the refuge. It is part of the nation's longest hiking trail, which is 4,600 miles long! The trail at Audubon goes through many different habitats. In the winter, you can also go ice fishing on the lake.