2023 Wildlife Drive Dates

The wildlife drive will be open if weather and road conditions allow. Dates for the year are as follows:  February 18 and 19, March 18 and 19, April 15 and 16, 28-30, May 1-14, 20 and 21, 27-29 and each weekend through August, with the remainder of the year still being under discussion. The drive will be open from sunrise to sunset each day. 

Drive information

Established in 1961, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge protects a network of wetlands, grasslands and forests to provide habitat for a variety of migratory birds, resident wildlife and threatened and endangered species. This network of land covers more than 8,000 acres and when combined with the other refuges in the complex, protects more than 10,000 acres. It has been recognized with global significance for its value to wildlife.

Latest News

Six river otters walk out on the frozen surface of a river in winter at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.
Recreation
Winter Scenes
Here are some natural sights to look for in winter at national wildlife refuges.
a yellow and black bird with a light stripe on the top of its head perches on a tree limb
Migratory Species
Putting a stop to bird collisions
Making our buildings bird-friendly, one window at a time
Four tan-black-and-white birds with long gray bills probing sand for food at the beach
Recreation
Where the Birds Are
For experienced birders and newbies alike, national wildlife refuges are wonderful places to see birds in natural habitat. Visitor services specialist Mike Carlo shares his mental list of refuges across the country that are well suited to people of varying birding experience.
Large numbers of snow geese fly out at sunrise into an orange sky reflected in the water below at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
Wildlife Wonders
Bird Festival Planner
For a wonderful nature show, it’s hard to beat a bird festival. Some of the best bird fests occur at or near national wildlife refuges. That’s not surprising, given that these public lands are such birdy places.
A small pond surrounded by leafy green vegetation, a few standing dead trees and verdant forest
Wildlife Management
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
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Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to connect with nature, whether it’s the woods that draw you or the open marshes. If you are looking for birds or mammals you are sure to find them here.

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      The refuge is an excellent place to find birds and other wildlife. There are many rare birds sighted here every year. The habitat available on the refuge provides for a variety of many types of wildlife.