Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis of marsh, grasslands, forests, and croplands located in northern Oklahoma. Refuge History: Before the arrival of the first white settlers the plains of Oklahoma were ruled by numerous Native American tribes over a period of many centuries. Many tribal council meetings were held on the Great Salt Plains and since the salt attracted many different types of hunting game, it is said that the tribes often fought battles over the control of this land. The first known white man to visit the land was Major George Sibley who was given a tour by the local tribe members in 1811. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1930 in order to protect the breeding grounds and habitat for birds and other resident wildlife. Today it is a designated Important Bird area and a member of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. Wildlife: Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, quails, cardinals, and deer. Please treat their home with respect. For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts the Great Salt Plains Lake (Not to be confused with Utah’s Great Salt Lake) stocked with catfish and bass, a 2.5 mile driving trail, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!