Hobart Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Hobart Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a Easement Refuge located in Barnes County, North Dakota five miles (8 km) west of Valley City. The refuge is divided in half by Interstate Highway 94 running east and west. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service owns in fee title and the remaining acres are covered by easement. Three nesting islands in the northeast corner of the refuge that were constructed by Ducks Unlimited have been submerged since 1993. The refuge was established by Executive Orders during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration and was set aside as "a refuge and breeding grounds for migratory birds and other wildlife." The refuge is maintained by the Valley City Wetland Management District and is a part of the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge is a migration stopover for waterfowl. In addition, tundra swans frequently use the refuge during spring and fall migrations. Much of the refuge lands are cultivated by the owner; however, some waterfowl nesting and brood rearing takes place on portions of the refuge. There are some limited opportunities for wildlife observation and photography from public roads around the refuge.