About Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge
Sustained high water levels have drastically changed the character of the Refuge over the past 20 years. Previously, the Refuge consisted of approximately 6,000 acres of shallow wetlands and 6,000 acres of grasslands. The shallow wetlands provided quality habitat for waterfowl and a variety of waterbirds, while uplands provided nesting cover. The Refuge was also an important for ducks and geese when they molted their feathers. Due to significant rising water levels on the interconnected Devils Lake, the Refuge is now almost entirely open water with less than 500 acres of upland habitat. That said, Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge still provides habitat for many species of migrating birds as they make their journey north and south each year.
How to Get There
Lake Alice NWR is administered from the Devils Lake Wetland Management District Office located in Devils Lake, North Dakota, and is located about 15 miles northwest of Devils Lake. From the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and North Dakota Highway 20 in Devils Lake, go 17 miles north to Ramsey County Road 10. On Ramsey County Road 10, go 7 miles west, 1 mile north, and 2 miles west to reach the north side of the Refuge. To reach the south side of the Refuge, from the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and North Dakota Highway 20 in Devils Lake, go 12 miles northwest to the town of Penn. Go north 7 miles on the township road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Lake Alice 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 Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1468) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge?
Lake Alice NWR is administered from the Devils Lake Wetland Management District Office located in Devils Lake, North Dakota, and is located about 15 miles northwest of Devils Lake. From the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and North Dakota Highway 20 in Devils Lake, go 17 miles north to Ramsey County Road 10. On Ramsey County Road 10, go 7 miles west, 1 mile north, and 2 miles west to reach the nort…
How do I contact Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 701-662-8611 or email: devilslake@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
