Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 to protect and enhance habitat for migratory birds. Located between the Mississippi River and Illinois River, the refuge encompasses 9,225 acres of riverine and floodplain habitat scattered around the confluence of the rivers. The mosaic of wetlands, open water, bottomland forests and prairies provide habitat for numerous mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, nearly three hundred bird species, and a population of decurrent false aster, a Federally threatened plant species.
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Youth Wing Shooting Clinic to be Held at Gilbert Lake, March 2, 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Pere Marquette State Park (IDNR) will be hosting a youth wing shooting clinic at the Gilbert Lake Division of the Refuge on March 2, 2024.  The event has been promoted by IDNR and no open spaces are still available.  The event will take place from approximately 8:00 am thru 4:00 pm at Gilbert Lake.  IDNR will have tents and facilities staged at the Gilbert Lake pull-off which parallels the Great River Road (Illinois Rte. 100).  

The open grassland fields will be used as a shooting area and will be CLOSED to the general public during the shooting times.

For questions or information, please contact the Refuge Headquarters at (618) 883-2524 or contact the Pere Marquette State Park Visitors Center at (618) 786-3323.

Visit Us

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is centrally located along the Mississippi Flyway, a major route for migratory birds, affording visitors an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing, wildlife photography, hiking, hunting, fishing and paddling.

Location and Contact Information

      What We Do

      Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is a national network of lands and waters managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Our Species

      During the fall migration season, visitors may see 15 different species of duck and up to 200 different species of birds. Waterfowl and bird watching guides and checklists are available at the visitor contact station and headquarters office. Birds of particular interest are wood ducks and bald eagles.

      Get Involved

      Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.