North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Community spots & sessions in NE · on LutherHeggs
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge lies in the Panhandle of Western Nebraska. Established in 1916, the Refuge is superimposed over four Bureau of Reclamation irrigation projects: Lake Minatare, Winters Creek Lake, Lake Alice, and Stateline Island. Boasting abundant wildlife, the North Platte NWR units contain a mixture of native prairie and woodland habitat. Whether the Refuge unit is surrounded by water (Stateline Island) or bordering a reservoir (Lake Alice, Lake Minatare, and Winters Creek), riparian habitat is a key feature of this Refuge. The water bodies attract an abundance of waterfowl and shorebirds, and the riparian edges support songbirds, raptors, and a variety of other birds. Additionally, 21 mammals including both mule and white-tailed deer, may be seen throughout the year. During the warmer months, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians may also be observed.