Swan Lake Refugespring migration
Shorebirds: April and May are good times to look for them, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Swan Lake Refuge · September
- Wildlife Drive open to vehicles, dawn to dusk (first Saturday in March to the end of October) · Mar–Oct
184days to the next spring migration seasonApril and May, local timing
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Wildlife Drive open to vehicles, dawn to dusk (first Saturday in March to the end of October)NowMar–Oct
- First Fridays at the Refuge: family evening programs on the first Friday of each month (April–August)Apr–Aug
- Shorebirds: good time to look for them (April and May)Apr–May
- Refuge interior closed to protect migrating waterfowl (end of October to the first Saturday of March)Nov–Feb
Where to watch
- South Swan Lake Marsh Trail (Nature Trail)An easy 0.54-mile walk (about 20 minutes) on a mowed path from the headquarters area through forest to a viewing platform over Swan Lake Marsh; open to foot traffic year-round in daylight, dog friendly
- Wildlife Drive to Silver LakeA gravel auto tour route, fine for most vehicles, to Silver Lake and its fishing platforms, open to vehicles from the first Saturday in March through the end of October, dawn to dusk; your car is the blind
Swan Lake Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Shorebirds: April and May are good times to look for them, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: April and May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 184 days (April and May, local timing).
Is there a fee, and what are the hours?
No, it's free to visit. The refuge is open in daylight only: lands, roads and trails from dawn to dusk.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the whole refuge open in early spring?
Not until March. The refuge interior is closed to the public from the end of October until the first Saturday of March to spare the big concentrations of migrating waterfowl; the Wildlife Drive opens to vehicles on that first Saturday in March.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms?
Yes, at the headquarters area, about a mile down Swan Lake Avenue from the main gate. There are none in the visitor contact station itself.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Waterproof shoes, since much of the refuge is wet; insect repellent in summer if you'll hike; and sunscreen, drinking water, snacks and clothes for the season. Roads are gravel but fine for most vehicles.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Swan Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
South Swan Lake Marsh Trail (Nature Trail): an easy 0.54-mile walk (about 20 minutes) on a mowed path from the headquarters area through forest to a viewing platform over Swan Lake Marsh; open to foot traffic year-round in daylight, dog friendly; Wildlife Drive to Silver Lake: a gravel auto tour route, fine for most vehicles, to Silver Lake and its fishing platforms, open to vehicles from the first Saturday in March through the end of October, dawn to dusk; your car is the blind.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Refuge interior closed to protect migrating waterfowl (end of October to the first Saturday of March) (Nov–Feb).
What is Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Shorebirds: good time to look for them (April and May) (Apr–May), Wildlife Drive open to vehicles, dawn to dusk (first Saturday in March to the end of October) (Mar–Oct), Refuge interior closed to protect migrating waterfowl (end of October to the first Saturday of March) (Nov–Feb) and First Fridays at the Refuge: family evening programs on the first Friday of each month (April–August) (Apr–Aug).