Visit Us

A family watching wildlife while on a walk.
Image Details

Change is constant at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Seasons, life cycles, and migrating animals make each visit to the refuge a new experience. There are a multitude of opportunities to connect with nature at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors are welcome to recreate on the refuge during daylight hours.

 

Activities

Hunting
Fishing
Birding
Photography
Ranger-led programs
Hiking
Boating - non-motorized
Boating - motorized
Biking
Horseback riding
Wildlife watching

Related Documents

Thousands of people come to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge each year to enjoy various wildlife recreational activities. We encourage visitors to utilize the resources below to help prepare for their visit.

Wheeler NWR Map
Name
Wheeler NWR Map
PDF
Wheeler General Brochure
Name
Wheeler General Brochure
PDF
Wheeler Bird Brochure
Name
Wheeler Bird Brochure
PDF
Wheeler Hiking and Biking Guide
Name
Wheeler Hiking and Biking Guide
PDF
Wheeler Canoe & Kayak Guide
Name
Wheeler Canoe & Kayak Guide
PDF

Other Facilities in the Complex

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Wheeler Complex.

Gray bats flying under tree canopy outside of Sauta Cave
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is a 264-acre Refuge located west of Scottsboro, Alabama. The refuge provides protection for the federally endangered Gray and Indiana bats, and their crucial habitat.
National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur,AL
Indiana bat
Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Home to the largest wintering colony of gray bats in the US, Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect this endangered species.
National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur,AL
Watercress Darter fish in the water
Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge
Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, located in Bessemer, Alabama, was established to provide protection for the endangered watercress darter.
National Wildlife Refuge
Anniston,AL
Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Located southwest of Florence, Alabama, Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge protects the only known population of the endangered Alabama cavefish.
National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur,AL
Cahaba River
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, located in Bibb County, Alabama, was established for the purpose of protecting and managing a unique section of the Cahaba River and land adjacent to it.
National Wildlife Refuge
Anniston,AL
An image of a Prairie Warbler perched in a tree.
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge's primary purpose is to enhance, manage, and protect the unique mountain longleaf pine ecosystem in northeast Alabama.
National Wildlife Refuge
Anniston,AL

Locations

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
(256) 350-6639
3121 Visitor Center RoadDecatur,AL35603

VISITOR CENTER FACILITIES - OPERATING STATUS:

The Visitor Center building and Wildlife Observation building are currently closed for renovations, the grounds are open Tuesday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, through October 2023.  For your own safety, do not enter active construction sites on the refuge.  Refuge information, maps, hunt permits, and trail guides will be available at the information kiosk outside of the visitor center front gate.  Visitors needing further assistance should call (256) 350-6639 Monday-Friday, 9:00-4:00.  Please leave a message if we are unable to take your call and we will call you back.

Those wanting to purchase an Interagency Park Pass should call (256) 250-6639 ahead of time to make an appointment and arrangements to buy the pass.

Hours
Visitor Center Hours (grounds only) : March - October
Tuesday-Friday
9 am - 4 pm
Visitor Center Hours: November - February
7 days/week
9 am - 5 pm
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day
CLOSED
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Administrative Office