About Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
The purpose of Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is to preserve and enhance resting, feeding, and breeding habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge attracts migrating waterfowl and shorebirds by the thousands and provides breeding and nesting habitat for ducks, geese, grassland songbirds, and colonial nesting water birds. The area is equally important to a variety of resident wildlife, including raptors, pronghorn antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, and coyotes. Many species of state and federal concern can be seen at the refuge during different times of the year, including bald eagles, piping plovers and on occasion peregrine falcons.North-central Montana is made up of many depressional wetlands created by glaciers over 12,000-15,000 years ago. Geologic history indicates that Lake Bowdoin was once an oxbow of the pre-glacial Missouri River channel. Today, the Missouri River lies nearly 70 miles south of Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge. Major habitat types on the refuge include saline and freshwater wetlands, native prairie, planted dense nesting cover and shrubs. The refuge consists of more than 6,000 acres of freshwater and saline wetlands. There are three major wetland types on the refuge: permanent wetlands; semi-permanent wetlands; and seasonal or temporary wetlands. The remaining upland is typical mixed-grass prairie with a complex of western wheatgrass, needle and thread grass, silver sagebrush, and forbs. The marsh areas are dominated by sedges, while excellent stands of emergent and aquatic vegetation are found in the shallow, open-water areas.
How to Get There
Bowdoin NWR is located about 7 miles east of Malta, Montana. From U.S. Highway 2 on the east edge of Malta, turn southeast onto old County Highway 2 at the brown and white Refuge sign. Follow the paved road to the two stone pillars marking the entrance road to the Refuge headquarters. Traveling from the east on U.S. Highway 2, turn south (left) at the brown and white Refuge sign located approximately 14 miles west of the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs Resort turn-off. Follow the gravel road to the 4-way intersection and turn left again onto the paved road (Old County Highway 2). This will take you to the Refuge entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1316) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge?
Bowdoin NWR is located about 7 miles east of Malta, Montana. From U.S. Highway 2 on the east edge of Malta, turn southeast onto old County Highway 2 at the brown and white Refuge sign. Follow the paved road to the two stone pillars marking the entrance road to the Refuge headquarters. Traveling from the east on U.S. Highway 2, turn south (left) at the brown and white Refuge sign located approximat…
How do I contact Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-654-2863 or email: bowdoin@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
