Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge located in the high plains of northeast New Mexico. Refuge History: Long before the arrival of European settlers the land that is now Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge was occupied by various Native American tribes including the Ute, Kiowa, Apache, and Comanche tribes. The name Maxwell comes from the Maxwell Land Grant that the Mexico established in 1848. Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 in order to protect habitat for migratory birds. Over 350 acres of wheat, corn, alfalfa, and barley are planted on this refuge in order to provide food for the Wildlife. Some of the wild critters who call this place home include falcons, sandhill cranes, white pelicans, hawks, golden eagles, great horned owls, mule deer, prairie dogs, white-tailed deer, elk, and coyotes. Please treat their home with respect. For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts hiking trails, a lake stocked with bass, perch, rainbow trout, walleye, and catfish, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!