Great River
Plan Your Visit
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available inside the refuge headquarters and visitor contact station in Annada, MO. Additionally, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bear Creek Recreation Area at the Long Island Division has restrooms onsite.
Points of Interest
Great River National Wildlife Refuge is made up of remote units along the Mississippi River. Fox Island and Long Island Divisions provide primitive opportunities to explore river habitats and wildlife by foot or boat. The Delair Division is closed to the public as a condition of the purchase.
What To Do
- Fox Island Division: Accessible from the west side off County Road 317. At the parking lot there is entrance to a road that is limited to foot travel only.
- Long Island Division: One could drive to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bear Creek Recreation Area using North 2400th Avenue and picnic, camp and hike through the bottomland forest full of towering pecans. There is an improved boat launch at this location.
Know Before You Go
Wildlife flourishes due to remoteness. Many areas are difficult to access or require a boat. There are no restrooms or water fountains on any of the divisions. Dress appropriately and bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellant, and sunscreen.
Rules and Policies
- Open during daylight hours only (except for lawful hunting).
- ATVs are not allowed.
- Dogs must be on a leash except for hunting.
- Camping or fires are not permitted.
- Collecting shed deer antlers is not permitted.
Great River National Wildlife Refuge spans across multiple divisions and locations. Check the public use regulations brochure for a map of each division’s location. The headquarter office is located at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge between St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri. To get to the headquarters, take Missouri State Highway 79 to the town of Annada, Missouri. From Annada, travel one mile east on Pike County Road 206 to the refuge headquarters.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
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.
Services
About
Established in 1958 as part of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge, this refuge consists of six divisions across Illinois and Missouri along the Mississippi River. It aims to restore and mimic the mosaic of habitats historically found in the region, including backwaters, floodplain forests, and wetlands. These habitats provide essential food and resting areas for nearly 300 bird species. The refuge is managed from the headquarters located at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge in Annada, MO.