The Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is among the oldest refuges in the nation. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, it can be found on the famous Prairie Pothole Region of the United States. The lake’s surrounding areas and 4,385-Refuge provide a breeding and resting habitat for over 293 bird species. It has also been designated and recognized by the American Bird Conservancy as one of America’s Top 100 Globally Important Bird Areas.

The Refuge consists of native prairie, dense nesting cover, a density of wetlands, and Chase Lake itself. Since most of the land is unaltered since the Euro-American settlement times, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge officially became a Wilderness Area in 1975.

The Refuge’s designation as a wilderness area prevents motorized vehicles from getting through. This designation mandates that the integrity and beauty of the area be preserved.