Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 28 miles north of Oshkosh on West 2nd Street, protects about 45,800 acres of Sandhills dunes, lakes and wetlands, established in 1931, with about 200 bird species. Most of the refuge burned in the March 2026 Morrill Fire, and the Fish and Wildlife Service warns that refuge roads and trails may be impassable even with four-wheel drive. Open sunrise to sunset; office (10630 Road 181, Ellsworth mailing address) weekdays 8–4:30. Fishing on Island, Crane, Smith and Blue lakes (electric motors only, gas on Blue Lake); hunting September 1–March 15. No camping or open fires. Phone (308) 762-4893.