Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1945, is primarily a waterfowl nesting and migration area. The 8,500-acre sanctuary is rich with bird and animal found around the many pothole lakes and marshes.
The Lake Tewaukon area was heavily used hunting and living site for early man. Historian S.M. Thorfinnson writes in Sargent County History, that "Lake Tewaukon was named for an ancient religious leader, the 'Son of Heaven' or the 'Great Khan', 'Te Wauk Kon' who directed the building of a temple on the high hill south of the lake."
Many miles of tree and shrub shelterbelts have been planted, creating food and cover for a variety of wildlife. Whitetail deer are found on the refuge as are red fox, mink, raccoon, skunk, muskrats, beaver, badger and an occasional coyote. A wide range of small mammals, from weasels to shrews, mice, and ground squirrels live on Tewaukon. A total of 243 species of birds have been seen on the refuge.