The refuge allows hunting for migratory birds, upland game, and big game on the Apple Creek Division in accordance with Illinois state hunting seasons and regulations.

Contact the refuge office to find out more about hunting opportunities, seasons and regulations on Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge.

From boat or bank try your luck at sport fishing on the rivers and backwaters. The newer sport of bow fishing for carp is popular on Swan Lake near the Refuge visitor center. This shallow marsh like lake was once a bottomland forest and is best accessed by john boat or paddled with canoe or kayak. 

The Batchtown division is a popular place to fish for crappie and catfish. Launch your boat and wet your line at Prairie Pond and Gilead boat ramps in the spring and summer. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours only. 

Check Illinois state seasons and regulations before heading out.

More than 200 species of birds visit the Refuge throughout the year. October, November, March and April are the best months to see large concentrations of waterfowl; shorebird and warbler migrations usually peak around the first week of May; and bald eagles are common in the winter as they gather near the river to feed in open water areas. Deer, squirrel, raccoon, muskrat, turkey, beaver, skunk and opossum are year-round residents.

See thousands of geese, ducks, and pelicans feeding in the fields and shallow wetlands of the Calhoun Division and on Swan Lake. Bald eagles use this area regularly during winter. Other birds enjoy the grassland habitat near the refuge visitor center. View an abundance of wildlife from the observation decks near the visitor center.

Gilbert Lake is a great place to seek solace and escape the demands of everyday life; bank fishing, bird watching and hiking are allowed and encouraged. Gilbert Lake is closed each fall to provide sanctuary for migratory birds. Travel the National Scenic Byway (Illinois State Highway 100) to Gilbert Lake, which is adjacent to Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County, Illinois.

While visiting learn about the natural and cultural history of the Two Rivers area at a number of interpretive kiosks located throughout the Refuge. The Refuge visitor center also houses educational displays for you to browse. Special group trips (school groups, scouts, etc.) are encouraged. Guided group tours may be arranged in advance by contacting the refuge.

A refuge park ranger frequently provides programs for groups. Call the refuge office to schedule a visit or to have the ranger visit your school or organization.

Spend the day photographing wildlife for a peaceful way to explore the refuge. Stop at the visitor center photo blind to capture photos of waterfowl resting and refueling in the spring and fall.