Many national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries offer a range of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors — tourists and locals alike.​

Find an FWS Facility Near You

Visit a National Wildlife Refuge Facility

Protected Lands and Waters

The Refuge System administers lands and waters across the U.S. and territories, including:

  • 567 National Wildlife Refuges
  • 38 Wetland Management Districts
  • 5 Marine National Monuments
  • 63 Refuges with Wilderness Areas

The Purpose of Refuges

Each refuge is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its land and waters.

Things to Do and See

Where consistent with their primary purpose, refuges also offer activities for people, such as:

  • Hunting and fishing
  • Birdwatching and wildlife photography
  • Hiking and canoeing
  • Scientific research

 

Find A Refuge

Visit a National Fish Hatchery

National Fish Hatcheries and You

Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature, or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community, fish, and wildlife by doing what you love.  

The Purpose of Hatcheries 

Seventy fish hatcheries across the nation work with states and Tribes to produce and distribute fish for recreational and conservation purposes and provide refuge for endangered species. The hatcheries also provide outdoor opportunities from fishing events and tours to numerous education activities.  

Things to Do and See 

Nearly one million people visit the National Fish Hatchery System every year for incredible opportunities to hike, bird, fish, visit an aquarium, and learn more about fish conservation. 

  • Take part in a fishing derby 
  • See a freshwater fish aquarium 
  • Explore a nature trail 

 

Find A Hatchery

Upcoming Events

View the upcoming events at our national wildlife refuge and national fish hatchery facilities.

It’s easy to try archery! Meet a ranger at the Refuge Archery Range between 11 am - 2 pm for basic instruction and use our bows and arrows to try your new skills. For adults and kids 8 and up (kids must be with an adult). 

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Archery Range
Outdoor Activity

It’s Women’s History Month! Learn about some of the women in Canaan Valley’s history, starting with the first settlers of the 1800s.

This walk will meet at Beall trailhead. Click here for directions.

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Beall Trailhead
Outdoor Activity

Volunteer to keep Ritidian Beach beautiful at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge every first Saturday of the month. Gloves, trash bags, buckets, and a limited number of trash grabbers are provided. All participants must complete a Volunteer Agreement Form for beach clean-up activity that is valid...

Guam National Wildlife Refuge
Nature Center
View all Events

Latest Stories

Picture of Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge entrance sign.
Wildlife Management
Historic Investments to Benefit Klamath Basin Refuges for Future Generations
Through partnerships and funding opportunities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Service is working to mitigate the significant water crisis in the Klamath Basin and ensure that the Klamath Basin’s unique natural resources are protected so they may be...
a fuzzy brown bat hangs from a cave ceiling
Our Partners
Boosting bat immunity
Through grants from the National Science Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are teaming up to develop a new treatment to boost bats’ immunity to the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome as...
A wood turtle standing in leaves.
Science and Technology
Service Signs Agreement to Advance Collaborative Conservation of At-Risk Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Alliance of Forest Owners and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., announced today a memorandum of understanding which formalizes the Wildlife Conservation Initiative, a collaborative partnership focused on advancing the...
3 people in boat fishing
Recreation
$20M to Support Boating Infrastructure, Local Communities and Outdoor Recreation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced more than $20 million in grant funding to assist states and territories in the construction, renovation and maintenance of marinas and other boating facilities for outdoor recreation. Reauthorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this year’s...
A swimming eastern brook trout, a colorful fish with red fins along a yellow belly, and yellow and red spots on its olive green body.
Habitat Restoration
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners Announce More than $39.2 Million for Fish Habitat
Through the National Fish Habitat Partnership, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partners are providing more than $39.2 million to support 95 fish habitat conservation projects in 24 states.

Ways to Get Involved

Whether as a visitor to a refuge, a volunteer, a coworker, a formal partner, or more, there's plenty of ways we can work together to conserve and protect our natural resources. Here's just a few...

Learning Opportunities

We offer many types of learning opportunities including formal and informal training. Some of the education we offer includes job training, career enhancement training, education for environmental or technical professionals, and students.

Youth Programs

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) enjoys a proud history working with a range of youth organizations to help young people develop academic, leadership, and citizenship skills.

Partnerships

The Fish and Wildlife Service enters into agreements with a wide range of organizations at the national, regional and local levels.

Volunteering Opportunities

We have lots of ways to help out, for the short term or long, on the ground or in the office. We truly value our volunteer colleagues.

Get Involved