Welcome to Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge!
This 6,226-acre refuge lies within the Mississippi River flyway. The refuge's rolling prairies, rich wetlands and bottomland forests support a variety of wildlife species. Established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the refuge is a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is an isolated backwater, cut off from the Mississippi and the Trempealeau Rivers by dikes, providing needed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl and other birds.
People can visit the refuge year round, during daylight hours. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. Visit during each season to experience the variety of wildlife at the refuge. An accessible trail leads to the observation deck with mounted scopes for easy wildlife observation. Other trails lead visitors through prairie and wooded habitats full of wildlife wonders!
Early morning and dusk provide the best times to view wildlife whether it be on a trail or along the four mile self-guided auto tour. A brochure for the Prairie's Edge Tour Loop will acquaint visitors with the three major plant communities on the refuge: sand prairie, backwater marsh, and hardwood forest.
Whether you have a day or an hour, a visit to the refuge will be well worth your time!
Photo Credit - Bud Wallock, Trempealeau
Winter is finally here!
Animal tracks...snow covered landscapes...quiet winter wonderland.
Come discover with us. |
Click on the links below for information about these activities...
2011 Fall Waterfowl Flight Surveys
Interested in doing some fun outdoor activities this winter? Click on the ski trail brochure below to plan your winter cross country ski or snow shoe outing!
Ski Trail Brochure
Refuge News...
- Ice conditions on refuge pools are dangerous! It is not recommended to venture out on refuge pools/ice as warmer temperatures have caused ice conditions to deteriorate. Here are a few tips regarding ice safety...(courtesy WI DNR)
When you go:
- Do not go out alone. If you do, carry a cell phone and let someone know where you are and your expected return time. Follow that timeline.
- Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas during daylight only.
- Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar territories at night.
- Auto entrance gate remains in operation... The automatic entrance gate remains operational. The gate is programmed to close at sunset and open at sunrise daily. The refuge hours of operation have always been sunrise to sunset which gives wildlife an important break from human activity for a few hours each night.
Updated 1-12-2012
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