Ottawa NWR Visitor Center Information
- Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Information Desk Phone number: 419-313-3236
- Nature Store - accepts cash and credit
- Equipment lending: Binoculars, fishing poles, Let's Go Outdoors activity backpack, track chair, bug nets, field guides
- Free shuttle tours Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. and 1 pm, reservations available here
- Indoor restrooms during the above hours
- Outdoor restrooms open daily from dawn to dusk
- America the Beautiful Passes(cash, check, and credit (by appointment or bring backup form of payment, call 419-313-0982)
Visitor Center parking lots and hiking trails are open daily, dawn until dusk. Wildlife Drive is open on scheduled dates, please check the event link.
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.
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.