Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge offers many opportunities for public use including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. The Refuge is open to public use during daylight hours only. Refuge hunting and fishing regulations generally follow Illinois state seasons and regulations.

To help meet the primary Refuge purpose of providing valuable habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife Batchtown, Portage Island, Gilbert Lake and most of the Calhoun Division are closed from October 16 through December 31.

Other important regulations: 

• Off road vehicle use is prohibited. 
• Bicycling and hiking are allowed on Refuge roads unless otherwise posted. 
• Berry and mushroom gathering are permitted for personal consumption only. These items shall not be used for any commercial use. 
• Pets must be on a leash, except when used for the purpose of hunting where hunting is allowed.
• Except for authorized hunting on the Refuge, firearms are only permitted when being transported on Refuge roads or waters and must be unloaded and either dismantled or cased. 
• Camping, trapping, and the taking of turtles or frogs are prohibited on the Refuge.