Viewing wildlife is best in spring and fall as migrating birds pass through. The observation deck near the visitor center provides an expansive view of the main pool area where bald eagles, tundra swans, geese, and ducks can be seen from mid-March well into April. Warbler watching is great in late April or early May. If you are curious about the what birds are being recorded, a real-time bird report can be found under recent bird sightings.

Trempealeau NWR Bird Checklist 

 Wildlife photography opportunities are abundant along roads, trails and observation points. Spend the day photographing wildlife for a peaceful way to explore the refuge. Start at the observation deck to get an expansive view of refuge pools and observe large flocks of waterfowl resting and refueling especially in the spring and fall.

 Kiosks are located at observation points and at trail heads. The visitor center is home to a large relief map and an eBird computer station which logs real-time data of bird observations. Stop in and check out what birds visitors have seen and where.

 Programs for school groups, scouts and other organized groups are conducted by Refuge staff both on and off the refuge. Scheduled annual events include a spring birding festival, River Education Days in May and a fall Refuge Week activity. This refuge is a place where learning comes naturally! The wild setting invokes a sense of place and enables students of all ages to make their connection to the world outside! Nature just happens here and students get connected by being part of it. If you are trying to fit a field trip into your curriculum and need a specific topic, let us know and we’ll see how we can meet your needs. Programs can be adjusted for all grade levels.
Environmental Education brochure 

 Hunting is by special permit only. The nine-day firearms deer season (rifles prohibited) begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Archery deer hunting is allowed after the nine-day firearms season. Waterfowl hunting on the refuge is only available as a special hunt for sportspersons with disabilities.

 More hunting information may be found here - Permits 

 Rough fish (carp and buffalo) and bullheads are the dominant species in the refuge pools. Most anglers fish for bullheads from shore. Bullheads are quite plentiful and easy to catch but not large in size. Limited numbers of northern pike are taken with a few large fish (over 10 pounds) usually reported each year. Other game fish include bass, bluegill, crappie and yellow perch can be caught but are not common. Refuge pools are open to boat fishing (electric motors only) via the ramp at Kiep’s Island boat landing.
 

Biking on the refuge is a wonderful way to view wildlife and just enjoy the outdoors. Bicyclist can travel on all roads and dikes throughout the refuge unless marked closed.  A portion of the Great River State Trail (GRST) passes through the refuge which makes a great connector for those coming from Perrot State Park on a leisurely bike ride or for the serious cyclists using the GRST.  Trail passes for the GRST are not sold at the refuge (nor are the needed for biking in the refuge) but may be obtained at Perrot State Park.  

 With snow covered prairies and ice capped wetlands, the winter season provides great opportunities to explore the refuge. Enjoy the tranquility of the refuge and the beauty of winter wildlife by venturing out on some backcountry ski and snowshoeing trails. Trails follow wooded edges and are clearly marked on the map. Take advantage of exploring the open woods and discovering wildlife tracks along the way. Try some winter photography or winter birdwatching.  Just Get Outdoors!  Trails are not groomed.
Backcountry Ski Trail brochure