Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

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United States
Martin, SD
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.

02/19/2026

It's almost that time of year!
Reserve your spot today! March through April is the prime time to view the Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek.

Call 308-760-6268 or 605-891-1071 or Email: [email protected] to make a reservation!
It is highly recommended that you visit the area in the daylight and visit the Headquarters for directions and a map prior to lek viewing.
Please check out our website for more details.
Remember to bring a camera! Make sure to arrive an hour and a half before sunrise.
Photo by USFWS/Lacreek NWR Staff

02/15/2026

Happy Valentine's Day from Lacreek NWR!

02/12/2026

Here are those Freedom 250 Valentines you didn't know you needed. You're welcome. Happy Birthday, America.

Dive into the comments to learn more about Freedom 250 and see all of this year’s patriotic cards.

Graphic and image by USFWS

01/31/2026

Views from the Refuge!
Have you toured the Auto tour loop?

Take a leisurely drive at your pace through the Refuge wetlands while viewing wildlife with a backdrop of beautiful scenery! Drive the four and one half mile tour route that originates at the Visitor Center. You are welcome to explore places of interest on foot!

Please check the weather before arriving at Lacreek NWR and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Don't forget to bring binoculars or a camera for wildlife observation.

01/29/2026

Icey and easy!
Cold times at Lacreek NWR, but the birds don’t seem to mind. Come check out our winter wildlife!

Please check the weather before arriving at Lacreek NWR and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Don't forget to bring binoculars or a camera for wildlife observation.

Photo by USFWS/ Lacreek NWR Staff

01/27/2026

Lacreek is feeling pretty Swan-derful today!

Check out North America's largest waterfowl species and Lacreek NWR’s Trumpeter Swans today!

Please check the weather before arriving at Lacreek NWR and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Don't forget to bring binoculars or a camera for wildlife observation.

Photo by USFWS/ Lacreek NWR Staff

01/25/2026

Have you seen this hut or lodge?

These are Muskrat huts or lodges, which are dome-shaped shelters built from vegetation like cattails and mud. These structures feature an underwater entrance that is called a plunge holes.

Please check the weather before arriving at Lacreek NWR and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Don't forget to bring binoculars or a camera for wildlife observation.

Photo by USFWS/ Lacreek NWR Staff

01/22/2026

Bird of the week!

We had a recent sighting of a Merlin around our Bird Walk on the Refuge!
These birds are small, fierce, and powerful falcons. Merlins are heavier and considerably larger than a common American Kestrel.

Please check the weather before arriving at Lacreek NWR and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Don't forget to bring binoculars or a camera for wildlife observation.

Photo by USFWS/ Lacreek NWR Staff

01/21/2026

Starting this week off with a hard one!
Can you guess this bird of prey?

Results will be posted in the next post!

Photo by USFWS/ Lacreek NWR Staff

01/09/2026

Bird puns seem to fly right over your head!

What is a Trumpeters swan favorite type of music? Anything with a good horn section!

This majestic bird, the Trumpeter Swan, has a average 8-foot wing span. With snowy white feathers and jet black feet, they are one of the largest native waterfowl species in North America!

Photo: Gannon Castle/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

01/07/2026

Why do Coyotes always laugh?
Because life is howl-arious

The Coyote is a medium-sized member of the dog family. Have you seen the iconic bushy tail? They are usually grayish brown with reddish tinges behind the ears.

Please check the weather before arriving at Lacreek NWR and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Don't forget to bring binoculars or a camera for wildlife observation.

Photo by Peter Eades/USFWS

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Lacreek NWR Staff!
Visit this New Year and enjoy some birding!

Photo by Tom Koerner/USFWS

Address

29746 Bird Road
Martin, SD
57551

Telephone

+16056856508

Website

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lacreek

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