Tennessee
Springville, TN 38256
Plan Your Visit
Hunting, fishing, birding, photography, boating, biking, hiking, kayaking, and taking a drive to see wildlife are all popular activities on Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. This 51,000 acre refuge has miles of peaceful refuge roads, several hiking trails, wildlife observation decks and blinds, an auto tour, 23 boat ramps, and a fishing pier-- something for everyone!
Our state-of-the-art visitor center, located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, TN, offers exhibits, an auditorium, environmental education classroom, and nature bookstore. Entry is free and it is open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for Federal holidays).
Learn more about the refuge in our general brochure.
Bennett's Creek Observation Deck Permanently Closed
The Bennett's Creek Observation Deck at the Big Sandy Peninsula is permanently closed due to structural safety concerns.
Entry is free. Annual hunting permits must be purchased through TWRA licensing agents.
To reach the Visitor Center from highway 79 North of Paris, take Oak Grove Road South and follow directional signs for 7 miles. To reach the Big Sandy Peninsula locations (Mt. Zion Church, Chickasaw Trail), take Lick Creek Road 13 miles north of Big Sandy, TN. For the Duck River Unit (Pintail Point, Blue Goose Blvd), take Long Street off highway 70 in New Johnsonville and follow directional signs.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: Volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is fun and rewarding in many ways. Master new skills. Meet new friends. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation.
Contact refuge headquarters for work camper opportunities – we have 2 camper pads:
- Located at headquarters/visitor center, 1371 Wildlife Drive, Springville, TN
- At Duck River Bottoms subheadquarters, 550 Refuge Lane, New Johnsonville, TN
UT Martin Intern Program – Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge has an agreement with UT Martin to provide biological interns with our summer seasonal needs on the refuge. Student internships can provide new insights and excitement about conservation.
Services
The visitor center features exhibits, an auditorium, environmental education classroom, and a nature bookstore. Free ranger-guided field trips are available for groups, and the Friends of Tennessee NWR provides bus grants to help schools offset transportation costs. The refuge also hosts the monthly "Refuge Discovery Series" and maintains an active mobile archery program for students.
Groups can contact the refuge to schedule a Ranger-led program. Please contact the refuge at least 2 weeks prior to the date you would like the program to take place.
About
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman as a sanctuary for migratory birds. Located along Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, it encompasses over 51,000 acres of diverse habitats including agricultural crops, wetlands, and forests. The refuge supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including over 300 bird species and numerous mammals, fish, and reptiles. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Complex.