Top national wildlife refuges
National Wildlife RefugeHackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeChautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeEmiquon National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeMiddle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeTwo Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeCypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeGreat River National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugePort Louisa National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeCrab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeKankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area
National Wildlife RefugeMeredosia National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife RefugeCameron National Wildlife Refuge
All national wildlife refuges (14)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge | McHenry County | — | Woodstock | 5 |
| Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge | Mason County | — | Havana | 3 |
| Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge | Fulton County | — | Havana | 4 |
| Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge | Randolph County | — | Chester | 4 |
| Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge | Calhoun County | — | Winfield | 4 |
| Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge | Alexander County | — | Cairo | 3 |
| Great River National Wildlife Refuge | Pike County | — | Louisiana | 3 |
| Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge | Mercer County | — | Wapello | 3 |
| Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge | Williamson County | — | Crainville | 4 |
| Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area | Kankakee County | — | Morocco | 4 |
| Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge | Morgan County | — | Meredosia | 3 |
| Cameron National Wildlife Refuge | Marshall County | — | Lacon | 3 |
| Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge | Calhoun County | — | Elsberry | 4 |
| Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge | Mercer County | — | Aledo | 3 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph national wildlife refuges
Wildlife is most active in the first and last two hours of daylight — exactly when the light is warmest.
- Use auto-loop roads as mobile blinds; animals often tolerate vehicles more than people on foot.
- Stay on designated routes and keep a respectful distance — if an animal changes behavior, you are too close.
- A 400–600 mm lens (or a crop body) is the usual tool for birds.
- Fast shutter speeds (1/2000 s+) freeze wingbeats; raise ISO rather than lose the shot.
- Migration peaks bring the largest concentrations — see the birding calendar for this state.
Season: Spring and autumn migration are the highlights; winter brings waterfowl to many southern refuges.