Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. A visit to a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and discover a new place. Visitors can enjoy the refuge in many ways! While canoeing through a one of the water ways of the Bald Cypress Water Tupelo Swamp or watching an amazing sunrise while waterfowl hunting. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, hunting, wildlife photography or birdwatching a visit to Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to explore nature.

Driving Directions

The refuge is located in the southernmost portion of Illinois with lands located in Alexander, Johnson, Pulaski Pulaski
The Pulaski is a special hand tool used in wildland firefighting. The tool combines an axe and an adze in one head, similar to that of the cutter mattock, with a rigid handle of wood, plastic, or fiberglass. The Pulaski is a versatile tool for constructing firebreaks, as it can be used to both dig soil and chop wood.

Learn more about Pulaski and Union Counties. The refuge office is located at 137 Rustic Campus Drive, Ullin, IL 62992, on the campus of Shawnee Community College (nine miles east of Ullin, IL). You can call the office at 618-634-2231.

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available inside the refuge office.

Points of Interest

Let our staff and volunteers at the refuge office help you plan your visit! This is a great starting point for visitors to become more familiar with the refuge and the wildlife that live here. Visitors can get information of where to go hiking, fishing or hunting. 

What To Do

Hike our 2.5 mile Limekiln Springs Trail to see limestone outcrops, floodplain forest, multiple springs and two boardwalks for viewing the swamp.

Know Before You Go

To get the most enjoyment out of your visit, be sure to come prepared. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the waterways or off down a trail. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for canoeing, sturdy shoes for land excursions and to dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Visitor Tips

Visitors are welcome to stop by the refuge office located on the Shawnee Community College Campus at 137 Rustic Campus Drive, Ullin, IL. The office is open Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing around Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in the morning and evenings. Spring and summer are great times to hike a trail. After the winter season many anglers come to enjoy refuge lakes. In fall and winter seasons, hunters visit the refuge to hunt for deer, turkey and waterfowl.

Another destination stop includes the Cache River Wetlands Center operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is located at 8885 State Route 37, Cypress, IL. You can call the center at 618-657-2064.

Please review the refuge hunting and fishing brochure for area regulations and prohibited activities. This brochure also includes a map.