It was established in 1967 to furnish migratory birds with a suitable place to nest and rear their young. The Refuge was created to offset, in part, losses of nesting habitat in the prairie wetland region of the Midwest. The refuge provides excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife. The irrigated meadows are ideal for nesting waterfowl and other species of birds.
Riparian areas offer excellent habitat for moose, mule deer, and neotropical migratory birds.
The sagebrush flats and knolls are utilized by upland game birds and pronghorn antelope May through October are the best months for observing birds on the Refuge and surrounding North Park area. Fall migration reaches its height in late September or early October when up to 8,000 waterfowl may be on the Refuge. Most mammals can be observed year round. The first waterfowl arrive at Arapaho NWR when the ice vanishes in late March to mid-April. Peak migration occurs in late May when 5,000 or more ducks can be present.