Statistics and facts:

The Des Lacs Valley was formed by meltwater flowing out of glacial Lake Regina thousands of years ago. Fur-bearing animals lured French trappers to this valley. They called the area “Riviere des Lacs,” French for River of the Lakes. The land is so flat that the river spread out in a chain of marshes and lakes. In 1935 President, Franklin D. Roosevelt established Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, one of the many national wildlife refuges set-aside during the 1930’s and 40’s to help migratory birds and other wildlife.

Des Lacs NWR encompasses more the 19,500 acres along the Des Lacs River from the Canadian border to a point 8 miles south of Kenmare, North Dakota.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge website: http://deslacs.fws.gov

Birds:

In the spring visitors can enjoy the courtship dance of western grebes. Four other species of grebes also nest on the Refuge. In the summer American white pelicans are easy to spot as they feed on small fish. Broods of ducklings of various ages paddle through the marshes. Giant Canada geese commonly nest on the Refuge. Bird watchers delight to glimpse northern harriers, Sprague’s pipits, and grasshopper, Baird’s and other sparrows. Each fall, a blizzard of white descends on the Des Lacs Valley. The Refuge has become a major migration stop for lesser snow geese and tundra swans. Thousands of ducks and shorebirds complement the goose migration.

Recreation:

An observation blind allows you to watch sharp-tailed grouse strut on their dancing ground. Nature trails on the Refuge offer chances to see wildlife in natural settings. In the winter these same trails offer great cross-country skiing. A scenic auto tour points out historic and natural wonders of the valley. Tasker’s Coulee is a unique wooded area open during daylight hours for wildlife observation and hiking.

The Refuge is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.