Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in North Dakota where wildlife is protected. It's like a safe home for many animals and birds, and it's managed by the Kulm Wetland Management District.

This refuge was created a long time ago, on May 10, 1939, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He signed an official paper called an Executive Order to make it happen. The refuge covers about 2,784 acres of land. The government has special agreements that allow them to control water levels in the river and protect wildlife from hunting or trapping in certain areas.

What is Dakota Lake Dam?

A low dam called Dakota Lake Dam is an important part of the refuge. People also call it Ludden Dam or State Line Dam. Local people and a government program called the Works Progress Administration built this dam a long time ago. Its main job was to raise the water level of the James River. Before the dam, the river sometimes became very still and unhealthy for farm animals during summer. The dam raises the river level by about one foot. This helps keep water in the old river channels, creating perfect places for many marsh birds and other wildlife to breed, nest, and raise their young.

Where is the Refuge Located?

Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge is in the southern part of Dickey County, North Dakota. If you are in Ludden, North Dakota, you can go west on North Dakota Highway 11. The refuge starts right at the west end of town. North Dakota Highway 11 actually crosses over the James River and through the refuge itself.

Amazing Birds and Migrations

The James River is a very important path for birds that travel long distances, also known as migrating birds. The refuge is a key stopover spot for thousands of waterfowl (like ducks and geese) and shore birds. You can easily spot Snow geese here during their spring and fall journeys. They use the refuge a lot! Another important wildlife refuge, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in South Dakota, is only about 4 miles south of Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Visiting the Refuge

Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge is generally closed to public activities directly inside its boundaries. However, you can still enjoy watching wildlife, taking pictures, and sometimes even hunting on public roads or private lands around the refuge. The best times to see the amazing waterfowl migrations are in April and October. If you want to see many different kinds of shorebirds, late August and September are great months to visit.