Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Center/Observation Building

The visitor center serves as the primary visitor contact station that includes restrooms, an orientation film, an information desk, hunting permits, an exhibit hall, a nature store, a wildlife observation building, and two short nature trails.  America The Beautiful Federal Recreation Passes and Federal Duck Stamps are sold here (cash only). The Refuge Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving day, Christmas day and July 4.

For additional visitor information contact us by phone at 256-350-6639.

For information on nearby lodging and businesses, contact the Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.decaturcvb.org) at 800-524-6181.

November - February 

7-days/week 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

*Visitor Center entrance gate locks at 5:00 PM.

March - October (CLOSED TO ALL ACCESS THROUGH LATE FALL 2022 FOR RENOVATIONS)

Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM  (closed Sunday-Monday)

*Visitor Center entrance gate locks at 4:00 PM.

Visitor Center Location 

The Refuge Visitor Center is located at 3121 Visitor Center Rd, Decatur AL 35603.

Visitor Center Latitude/Longitude Location: 34.54742,-86.951081

Driving Directions to Refuge Visitor Center 

From Interstate 65, take exit 334 (Decatur/Priceville) and drive toward Decatur on AL Hwy 67 (Point Mallard Parkway) north for 2.5 miles.  Turn left at the Refuge Visitor Center entrance sign shortly after crossing the Flint Creek bridge.

From US Hwy 31, turn onto AL Hwy 67 south (Point Mallard Parkway) and drive for 2 miles.  You will pass the Refuge Headquarters on your left, keep going another half mile and turn right at the Refuge Visitor Center  entrance sign on your right.

From the Shoals via US ALT 72/AL Hwy 20, take AL Hwy 67 south (Beltline Rd) and follow through Decatur.  After crossing the US Hwy 31 intersection, drive 2 more miles on AL Hwy 67 (Point Mallard Parkway).  You will pass the Refuge Headquarters on your left, keep going another half mile and turn right at the Refuge Visitor Center entrance sign on your right.