Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Columbia, SD U.S.A.

The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge area was created when the James River was cut off by a series of small dams, creating an expansive, highly productive marsh habitat.

This 22,000-acre refuge provides a critical refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.

It is renowned for its spectacular concentrations of wildlife. Sand Lake is a Globally Important Bird Area, and is a designated Wetland of International Importance.

Bird numbers can reach the millions during spring and fall migrations, and summers abound with young wildlife.

Wildlife observation, photography, fishing, hunting and education are all popular.