Plan Your Visit

The refuge provides opportunities to hike, watch wildlife at the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve and hunt rich wetlands and bottomland forests. Four boat ramps also provide access to the Cache River to fish, boat and canoe.

Visitors should stop by the refuge office located on the Shawnee Community College Campus at 137 Rustic Campus Drive, Ullin, IL. The office is open Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., phone: 618-634-2231.

Another destination stop includes the Cache River Wetlands Center operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Center is open Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and located at 8885 State Route 37, Cypress, IL, phone 618-657-2064.

When planning a trip to the refuge, it is important to wear appropriate footwear for canoeing, sturdy shoes for land excursions and to dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Getting Here

The refuge is located in the southernmost portion of Illinois with lands located in Alexander, Johnson, Pulaski and Union Counties. The refuge office is located at 137 Rustic Campus Drive, Ullin, IL 62992, on the campus of Shawnee Community College (nine miles east of Ullin, IL). Contact (618)-634-2231.

Last Updated: Aug 28, 2012

What We Do

Prothonotary Warbler

A migratory bird, breeds and nests throughout in tree cavities over water and eat insects. Prothonotary warblers are a good indicator of healthy bottomland forests and the success of restoration efforts in the Cache River Watershed. Photo by Stoil Ivanov.

Cypress CreekNational Wildlife Refuge | Illinois

Plan Your Visit

What We Do

Prothonotary Warbler

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

National Wildlife Refuge System

Department of the Interior

USA.gov