Facility Activities

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge provides visitors with year round opportunities to hunt, fish, observe and photograph wildlife. The refuge is also a great place to investigate nature or take a hike just to enjoy the fresh air.

Auto tour
Auto Tour Route RulesThe Auto Tour Route is open sunrise to sunset, from August 1 through September 20 annually. In addition, the route is open around on World Migratory Bird Day, in early May, and during National Wildlife Refuge Week, in early October. Because these dates change each year, we...
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Boating - motorized
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Cross-country skiing
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges lend gear or rent it at low cost.
Fishing

The fishing opportunities are marginal and are offered in accordance with refuge regulations. Major available species include bass, bluegill, bullhead, carp, catfish, crappie, northern pike, perch, sunfish and walleye. Please see the Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing...

Hiking

The Overlook Trail is a gravel trail that begins at the office and proceeds to the top of the hill a quarter mile south of the office.  Visitors can view the marsh and surrounding prairie using the scopes at the observation platform at the top of the hill. For a more primitive experience,...

Hunting

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge is an important place for wildlife in an area with extensive cropland. Two portions of the refuge, Schwob Marsh and Buffalo Creek Bottoms, are open for all state hunting seasons. During times of higher water, good numbers of mallards and other ducks use the...

Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
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.
Snowshoeing
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges loan out gear or rent it at low cost.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.