[2][3] It lies in northern Cascade County, 12 mi (19 km) north of the city of Great Falls, Montana.

[4] Benton Lake NWR is the centerpiece of the Benton Lake NWR Complex, which includes Swan Valley Conservation Area, Swan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton Lake Wetland Management District, Blackfoot Valley Conservation Area and the Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Area.

The complex encompasses an area of 163,304 acres (66,087 ha) and the headquarters is located in Great Falls, Montana.

On average, 20,000 ducks are produced yearly, while colonies of Franklin's gulls may contain more than 10,000 nests.

[7] The prairie sections of the refuge provide habitat for burrowing owls and sharp-tailed grouse.