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Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge nestled on a plateau along the Central Flyway between the Great Plains to the east, Rocky Mountains to the west, and Chihuahuan Desert to the south.
Refuge History: Some of the first human inhabitants of the land that is now Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge were Native Americans who arrived over 10,000 years ago. In more recent times the Pueblos and Apaches lived in this region. In the mid-16th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries settled in the region and their influence remains to this day. Throughout the late 19th century westward expansion in the United States continued and the Santa Fe Trail and railroads made Las Vegas, New Mexico the place to be. Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965. Scenes from the 1984 movie Red Dawn starring Patrick Swayze (may he rest in peace) and Charlie Sheen (Hope he gets his act together) were filmed in the town of Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Wildlife: Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the habitat of numerous wild critters including mule deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Please treat their home with respect.
For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts a one-half mile nature trail and so much more. Come on out and explore.
Location:
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
Las Vegas, New Mexico United States
35.498413, -105.174007