In addition to bird life the refuge abounds with most species of mammals common to the prairies. White-tailed deer, mink, muskrat, red fox and coyote are often seen from one of the many roads that traverse the refuge. A visitor's station, observation tower and birdwatching platforms are located near headquarters. The station is open weekdays during summer. The refuge has designated public use areas for fishing and hunting.
Picnic areas are along the route.
The auto tour is open throughout the year. There is also a five-mile long grassland trail just east of the town of Newburg. Both trails are passable only during dry weather. The grassland trail is open early spring until the end of September. The refuge also has a 13-mile stretch of the Souris River open to canoeing which has been designated a unit of the National Trails System.