Garden County Nebraska

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located approximately 28 miles north of Oshkosh, Nebraska, was established in 1931 as a waterfowl production and maintenance Refuge. The initial Refuge was 36,920 acres, acquired primarily from one large ranch. Additional lands were acquired between 1932 and 1937. It is located at the eastern edge of the Nebraska Panhandle in Garden County, on the southwestern edge of the 20,000 square mile Nebraska Sandhills.
The 45,849-acre (71 square mile) Refuge is largely grasslands dotted with hundreds of permanent, semipermanent, and temporary wetlands.

Directions:

Crescent Lake NWR is located approximately 28 miles north of Oshkosh, Nebraska. From U.S. Highway 26, turn north on West Second. Proceed north out of town (oil road will convert to gravel), and follow directional signs to the Refuge headquarters.

Few sandhill roads are surfaced, and while travel with almost any vehicle is possible over the better roads, the side trails are traveled most safely with 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Recreational Opportunities

Click on picture for larger view

Auto Touring
Bird Watching
Boating
Fishing
Hunting
Hiking

All visitors are requested to check in at the Refuge Headquarters for current information on any current closures or restrictions. There are also information kiosks at every entrance. Restrooms are available for the visiting public at Refuge Headquarters.

Facilities

Island lake has 711 surface acres of water. Boating is allowed on the lake, but is restricted to non-powered craft and craft powered with electric motors. A boat ramp is available. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission lists the Lake as containing Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Perch. Minnows are prohibited for use in the wildlife refuge, but dead smelt is allowed. Facilities at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge are very primitive, and are meant for day use only. A restroom for the visiting public is available at the Refuge Headquarters. Camping is not allowed.

Fishing

Island Lake is open to daylight fishing year around in accordance with State regulations. A Nebraska fishing license is required. Possession or use of live or dead minnows is prohibited, as is possession of any fish not taken from the refuge lakes. However, dead smelt may be used as bait. No overnight shelters permitted.

Sport fishing is also permitted on Smith and Crane Lakes during certain times of the year . Special regulations apply. Please visit Fish and Wildlife Services CLWR fishing regulations to obtain the most current information.

A list of fish (with identifying pictures) at the Refuge can be found at http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/crescentlake/fish_list.html

For state fishing regulations, see the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Fishing Guide.

Boating

Boating is permitted on Island Lake only. Internal combustion motors are prohibited.

Hunting

Refuge hunting is permitted in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations. A Nebraska hunting license (or, if appropriate, big game permit) and habitat stamp is required.
Prairie grouse, pheasant, deer, rabbit, coyote, furbearers and waterfowl may be hunted on those portions of the refuge open to hunting during appropriate State regulated hunting seasons. No other wildlife may be hunted on the refuge. Non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting (upland and waterfowl).
All deer harvested must be checked in at the Refuge Headquarters.

Grouse and pheasant hunters are asked to participate in an ongoing and valuable population study by providing a grouse wing and pheasant leg from each bird harvested.

For a more complete list of hunting regulations at the Refuge, please visit http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/crescentlake/regulations.html#hunting
A list of mammals found at the refuge is available at http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/crescentlake/mammal_list.html

For state hunting regulations, see the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Homepage.

Birding

The Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Garden County has the third most documented number of species of birds in the Nation. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds all find a home in wetlands and prairies of the Refuge. Migrating birds use this route on their trips north and south. Seeing and hearing long-billed curlews, sharp-tailed grouse, and both species of meadowlarks can make an outing in late April or early May most rewarding. Peak spring songbird migration occurs May 10-20 and the fall peak occurs in September.

A photo blind for observing sharp-tailed grouse on their dancing ground is available on a reservation basis throughout April.

Crescent Lake NWR has the longest bird list of any management entity in the State of Nebraska because of its location and productive and diverse habitat.

A list of 279 species of birds observed on the refuge is compiled from records beginning in 1936, with current status determined from records since 1957.
Bird Species List http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/crescentlake/bird_list.html
Species of Special Concern http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/crescentlake/special_concern.html
Threatened Species http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/crescentlake/threatened.html

Hiking

Hiking through the 45,000 acre Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge can be a spectacular experience. There is only one area that has a marked or designated hiking path, and it is near the refuge headquarters within the "closed to public use" section of the Refuge. The 2.5 mile nature trail is open to the public only for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography (on or adjacent to the trail only).

Much of the refuge is closed to vehicles. This makes it ideal for walking and hiking. There is a portion (5,000 acres or apprx. 1/9th ) of the refuge that is closed to the public, and NO activities are allowed within that area. (see map) The western and eastern ends of the refuge are both open for hikers. The full "Proposed Wilderness Area" is open ONLY to hiking and foot traffic, no vehicles at all. The rest of the refuge is open for hiking. There is some great stuff there, I have been told.

There are no entrance fees for Crescent Lake. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge has no overnight camping. Plan to stay in one of the Oshkosh, Lisco, or Lewellen Motels, RV Park & Camping, or Bed and Breakfasts during your visit to the area. Pack your lunch in with you, (no open fires permitted) The Refuge is just 23 miles North of Oshkosh. There are no services offered within the Refuge.

Hiking also permitted within the
"Proposed Wilderness Area"
at the Refuge