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Refuge Headquarters Phone: 573-876-1826 |
The Jackass Bend Unit is located in extreme southwestern Ray County and northeastern Jackson County. This unit, three miles west of Orrick off of Missouri Highway 210, consists of approximately 843 acres lying almost entirely within an old oxbow or bend of the river. During periods of high flow or heavy rainfall portions of the old oxbow hold a shallow body of water. The name of the unit comes from a team of mules that were swept away when trying to cross this portion of the Missouri River over a century ago.
Getting to the Jackass Bend Unit
To reach the Jackass Bend Unit drive 4 miles west of Orrick or 5 miles east of Missouri City on highway 210. Turn south on South Union Road. Sign for the road is on the north side of 210. The gate at the railroad crossing will remain open unless road conditions make it unsafe to drive to the parking area. The parking area is located one mile past the gate and just over the levee.
This unit is also accessible from the Missouri River. The closest access point is across the river at Fort Osage in Sibley, Missouri. Fort Osage is a National Historic Landmark administered by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. To reach the boat ramp, follow the signs to Fort Osage on state route BB north of the town of Buckner through the small community of Sibley. Stay on Santa Fe Street and follow the signs to the river access.
In Ray County the closest river access to the Jackass Bend unit is Piggs Landing, administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation. To reach the refuge from this point, travel 2 miles down the Fishing River into the Missouri River and travel 2 miles up the Missouri to the refuge. The refuge is across the river from the Ft. Osage Access.
