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The 72,000-acre Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is 20 miles south of Valentine on Highway 83. The refuge is a collection of shallow lakes surrounded by marshes, deep in a remote Sandhills
landscape.

The refuge offers spectacular birdwatching. During
annual migrations, thousands of ducks and geese stop to
feed. In April and May, photo blinds are placed on prairie
chicken and sharp-tailed grouse display grounds. For the
best wildlife viewing, come early in the morning or before
sunset.

Nine lakes are open for fishing year round. Fishing
hours are sunup to sundown; only electric boat motors
are allowed. Anglers come for the bass, bluegill, perch and
northern pike. For summer fishing, we recommend using
a small boat or float tube. But don’t let winter weather
keep you away: the ice fishing world record bluegill, more
than two pounds, was caught in the refuge at Pelican
Lake.

In addition to other game and waterfowl, the refuge is
known as one of the few places where hunters find both
sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens.
The refuge offers 40 miles of sand trails suitable for
hiking. A self-guided interpretive trail has informative
kiosks along the way. (You can pick up a map at
refuge headquarters, located five miles east of Valentine
on Highway 12.)
The refuge is open year-round during daylight hours.
Camping and fires are prohibited. Admission is free.
(402) 376-3789.