Visit the James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center to learn about the birds and habitat of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem through our interactive displays and watch the amazing Wings of Thunder film.  This film was produced by the Friends of the Bear River Refuge and takes you on a 27 minute journey through our history and seasons of wildlife.  A 1.5 mile walking trail meanders through the wetland habitat just outside the center. 

Our 12-mile Auto Tour Loop is open everyday from sunrise to sunset hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday - Friday; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, and is closed on Sunday, Monday and Federal holidays.

Activities available at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge include wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation, hunting and fishing. 

The Refuge’s auto tour route is open daylight hours year-round, weather and road conditions permitting. The Auto Tour is a 12-mile loop through the heart of the Refuge. The Refuge headquarters and Wildlife Education Center are easy to find. From either the North or South - take exit 363 off of I-15 and drive a short 1/4 mile west to the Refuge entrance. It is 36 miles round-trip from I-15 to visit the Education Center and drive the Auto Tour.  

Please note: The Auto Tour is one way (counter clockwise). Please be courteous and pull over for others if you are stopped to view or photograph wildlife.  There are many designed pull-offs along the route for this reason. There is a security gate at the beginning of the Auto Tour that closes at dusk.  If you are leaving in the evening and the gate is already closed, please approach slowly and the gate will open, allowing you to exit.

Refuge Map