The Union Slough NWR Auto Tour Route will be open from October 6th through October 15th in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week! Visitors are welcome to drive the tour route from sunrise to sunset during those dates. The auto tour route begins at the refuge headquarters and takes visitors along a four and one-half mile drive of wetland, open water, and prairie habitat. Along the tour route, a variety of wildlife including trumpeter swans, ducks, geese, river otters, bald eagles, great blue herons, shorebirds, sandhill cranes, songbirds, and white-tailed deer may be seen. The refuge pools have refilled following the drought and the reflooded vegetation is providing outstanding habitat for thousands migrating waterfowl. In addition, the refuge habitats have turned to their fall colors. Remember, wildlife is generally most active in early morning and in the evenings. Click here for Auto Tour Route Rules.
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer the outdoor enthusiast an opportunity to escape from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature. Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge has excellent ways for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the natural world.
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Our Species
More than 240 species of birds have been seen on Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, with more than 100 species known nest on the refuge. The refuge is the epicenter of trumpeter swan nesting in Iowa. Federally threatened prairie bush-clover and state endangered Blanding’s turtles are found on the refuge.