North Platte

Plan Your Visit

North Platte National Wildlife Refuge is open sunrise to sunset.

Boasting abundant wildlife, the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge 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.

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, can be seen throughout the year. During the warmer months, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians may also be observed.

Activities

North Platte National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors each year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving, or hiking!

• Hunting
• Fishing

Rules and Policies

General Regulations

• Off road/trail vehicle use is prohibited. Motor vehicles may be operated on county roads and mowed trails only.
• Parking is permitted adjacent to open roads or trails (within one vehicle length of the road or trail) or in mowed parking areas only.
• Gates must be left as they are found opened or closed.
• Pets must be confined to vehicles or on a leash.
• Possession of alcohol is prohibited on North Platte National Wildlife Refuge.
• Limited hunting is permitted on the Lake Alice Unit.

Lake Alice Unit

• The public is invited to participate in permitted activities between January 15 and October 14 during daylight hours only. From October 15 through January 14, the unit is closed to all public entry in order to provide an undisturbed sanctuary during the critical migration season.
• The west half of the unit may be closed to all public entry to provide an undisturbed sanctuary if nesting Bald Eagles are present.
• The east half is open to licensed motorized vehicles on authorized trails only.

Lake Minatare Unit

• This unit is open for permitted activities from January 15 through October 14 during daylight hours.
• Adjoining Refuge land is the Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, which is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
• From October 15 through January 14, the entire area is closed to all public entry to provide an undisturbed sanctuary during the fall migration period.

Winters Creek Lake Unit

• The northeastern upland sites, along with the north portion of the lake, are closed to all public entry. The remaining portion of the unit is open for permitted activities from January 15 through October 14 during daylight hours.
• Boats may be operated by electric motors or hand power only.

Stateline Island Unit

• Located one mile south of Henry, Nebraska, this unit is open for permitted public use activities year-round during daylight hours only.

Driving Directions

Lake Minatare and Winters Creek: From US Highway 26, travel north on Sugar Factory Road approximately 5 miles to Lake Minatare Road. Turn east and travel approximately 6 miles to Stonegate Road. Turn north on Stonegate, the entrance to Lake Minatare is approximately 2 miles; the Winters Creek entrance is just beyond on the opposite side of the road.

Lake Alice: From US Highway 26, travel north on Sugar Factory Road to County Road C (approximately 7 miles). Turn east on County Road C approximately 2 miles to the Lake Alice entrance.

Stateline Island: From U.S. Highway 26 at Henry, Nebraska, travel south on Holloway Road approximately 1 mile to the entrance and parking area.