Facility Activities

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge provides several great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The mixture of bottomland forests, wetlands and swamps creates great waterways for canoeing and kayaking while also being great wildlife observation, hunting and fishing areas.

Birding

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge was established with migratory waterfowl in mind. Throughout the year viewing is available for refuge visitors. Early morning and dusk are the best viewing times for waterfowl on the refuge in the moist-soil unit areas and larger water areas in the spring and fall...

Hunting

Big game hunting was expanded in 2015.At Mingo NWR, turkeys regularly traverse in water up to their chests and often roost in completely different areas each night. Their behavior may be unusual, but one thing is certain -there are a lot of them. The refuge is also a destination for deer hunters...

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in the designated areas of the refuge and follow the Missouri State regulations for impounded waters with some exceptions. For more information on our exceptions please click here.

Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. No motors are...

Auto tour

The Ozark Highlands Auto Tour is a 17 mile tour throughout Mingo National Wildlife Refuge on the west side travelling through upland forests, refuge wilderness area, and Monopoly Marsh. Take in the sights and sounds of the refuge during this hike or ask our front desk for a printed guide.

Education programs

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge offers educational trips for school aged children in the life/natural sciences. All school trips are free of cost, transportation not included. For more information on education programs please contact the refuge at (573)222-3589.

Ranger-led programs

Throughout the year refuge rangers will offer interpretive programming events for the public to attend. Learn about migratory waterfowl or the history of the bottomland hardwood forests of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge by attending programs!

Hiking

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is home to four different hiking trails: Swampwalk Nature Trail (0.8 miles), Bluff Trail (0.14 miles), Hartz Pond Trail (0.16 miles) and Sweets Cabin Trail (0.4 miles) for a total of 1.5 miles of hiking area. For more information on these trails please click here....

Biking

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge has ample opportunities for bikers on the refuge. Throughout the year explore the 17 miles on the Ozark Highland Auto Tour and addition roads open for vehicle traffic. From March 1st to September 30th biking is allowed on the 6 mile loop between Ditches 3 and 4, as...

Boating - non-motorized

Kayaking and canoeing on the Mingo River, Stanley Creek, Monopoly Marsh, and in the many miles of ditches is a unique way to experience the swamp from the water.

Boating - motorized

The use of gasoline powered boat motors is prohibited on all refuge waters. Electric trolling motors may be used outside of the refuge wilderness. Within the refuge wilderness area any motor use is prohibited.

Horseback riding
Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails of a limited number of refuges. Riders must follow refuge rules and regulations for this activity. See individual refuge websites for details.
Wild edible foraging
Some refuges allow people to forage in designated areas for seasonal nuts, berries and mushrooms.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Dog walking
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.