About Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1302) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge?
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.
How do I contact Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 320-273-2191 or email: bigstone@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
