Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota.
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge was officially established May 21, 1975 when 10,540 acres of land purchased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These lands were originally acquired as part of the Big Stone Lake‐Whetstone River Project, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1965. The purposes of the project were: to reduce sedimentation in Big Stone Lake by redirecting the Whetstone River into the Minnesota River, to provide flood control for lands downstream and to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, the refuge includes 11,586 acres, because of subsequent land acquisition from willing sellers. Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is located in two Minnesota counties, Big Stone and Lac qui Parle.
Nearby Activities
- Auto Touring
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic & Cultural Site
- Hunting
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Snowshoeing
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
The refuge office and maintenance facility are located approximately eight miles east of Ortonville, MN (South Dakota border) and one-half mile west of Odessa, MN. From Highway 7/75, take Big Stone County Road #19 south approximately three-quarters of a mile.
