About Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Eastern forest dramatically gives way to the western prairie at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge which was established in 1989. Prior to European settlement, this area teemed with waterfowl, upland birds, bison, wolves and other prairie wildlife. Currently, the refuge is 3,200 acres of prairie-wetland habitat that provides resting and nesting cover for more than 200 species of migratory and game birds, including the charismatic greater prairie chicken. Habitat restoration over the past two decades has resulted in dramatic increases in waterfowl, shorebird and grassland bird numbers, while active management keeps these habitats thriving. Birding is the most popular activity of visitors to the refuge however, other wildlife-dependent recreation is also offered. The refuge has been named an Important Bird Area by the Minnesota Audubon Society.
How to Get There
The refuge office is located one mile northeast of Audubon, Minnesota. Visitors can get to the refuge office by following the brown and white refuge signs on state, county, and township roads. The best route to the refuge office from U.S. Hwy. 10 at Audubon is north on County Road #13 to the downtown Audubon. Proceed east on County Road #104 for 1.3 miles, then north on County Road #104 for 0.75 miles to the south end of the refuge. Follow refuge signs and proceed 0.25 miles northwest on Township Road #440 to the refuge office.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Hamden Slough 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 Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1416) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge office is located one mile northeast of Audubon, Minnesota. Visitors can get to the refuge office by following the brown and white refuge signs on state, county, and township roads. The best route to the refuge office from U.S. Hwy. 10 at Audubon is north on County Road #13 to the downtown Audubon. Proceed east on County Road #104 for 1.3 miles, then north on County Road #104 for 0.75 m…
How do I contact Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 218-847-4431 or email: detroitlakes@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
