Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Muscatatuck is a pocket of wildlife habitat that is easily accessible to everyone every day, at all times of the year. Look for wildlife along refuge roads, walk the trails, or take part in recreational activities like fishing, hunting, or wildlife photography. The refuge is also a great place to learn about wildlife and the natural environment. Refuge staff and volunteers enjoy helping visitors of all ages connect with nature through many events and programs held throughout the year.
Location and Contact Information
Join us for our big event of the year...Wings Over Muscatatuck! There will be guided tours and hikes, a birds of prey program with live birds, a crane program, children's activities, birdhouse building, a gigantic native plant sale, nature art activities, and much more! There will also be a guided tour of Big Oaks NWR on Sunday, May 12 by advance registration only (call 812-522-4352 x 12). For a schedule of events click here.
Our Species
Birds attract the most interest at Muscatatuck and more than 290 species have been seen on the refuge. The wetlands and diverse habitat also provide sanctuary for some species that are now rare in Indiana, including northern copperbelly water snakes, Kirtland's snake and four-toed salamanders. In winter, thousands of greater sandhill cranes spend the winter in the area, often spending the night in refuge wetlands while spending their days feeding off-refuge in harvested farm fields.