Barr Lake State Park

Barr Lake is a great place to view the Rocky Mountains rising from the plains much as early settlers did when they first arrived in the area. Historically, Barr Lake was a bison wallow, a deflation basin created by strong prairie winds. Native vegetation like sand dropseed and sand sage speak of our sandy soil, comprising Pleistocene, recent alluvium, and sand blown from the South Platte River Basin.

What you’ll notice as you explore:

• Mountains-from-the-prairie views - Broad, open shorelines frame long westward vistas to the Rockies, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.
• Wind-shaped terrain: Gentle swales and sandy benches around the lake echo the area’s wind-worked origin and South Platte derived sands.
• Shoreline mosaics: Shallow margins transition into cattail and bulrush marsh, seasonally wet meadows, and cottonwood groves, classic high-plains wetland patterns that set the stage for exceptional wildlife viewing.

Wetlands & prairie habitats

• Open water & marsh: The lake’s broad shallows, cattail stands, and emergent vegetation create prime stopover habitat for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, plus year-round for herons, egrets, and raptors.
• Riparian forest: Mature cottonwoods and willow thickets along inlets and coves provide nesting and roosting sites, including for bald eagles commonly observed from the nature center area and wildlife viewing stations.
• Mixed-grass prairie: Around the lake, restored grasses and native shrubs host songbirds, small mammals, and prairie reptiles, and offer seasonal wildflower color.

Habitats and Plants at This Park
While much of the prairie at Barr Lake is a mix of drought-tolerant exotic species, prairie restoration efforts have returned some natives to the area. Observe a native mixed grass prairie "lawn" at the Nature Center. Buffalo grass, side-oats grama and blue grama create a delightfully beautiful (and low-maintenance) lawn full of color and interest. Other prairie restoration efforts around the lake have created stands of native little and big bluestem grasses.

• Birds You Might Find: Blackbird; Longspur; Pheasant; Sparrow; Tanager
• Mammals You Might Find: Deer; Elk; Coyote; Red Fox
• Reptiles and Amphibians You Might Find: Prairie Rattlesnake; Western Hognose; Snapping Turtle; Six Lined Racerunner

Why birders love Barr Lake

• Year-round viewing: Lookouts, boardwalks, and blinds near the nature center make it easy to watch waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds in every season.
• Prime raptor country: Open shorelines and prairie edges offer reliable views of hunting hawks and wintering bald eagles.
• Quiet refuge: The wildlife refuge portion of the lake protects sensitive habitat, helping keep viewing exceptional while safeguarding nesting and roosting areas.