Trempealeau Refugespring migration
Warbler watching is great in late April or early May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Trempealeau Refuge · September
203days to the next spring migration seasonlate April or early May, local timing
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Tundra swans, geese and ducks on the main pool, mid-March well into AprilMar–Apr
- Warbler watching at its best, late April or early MayApr–May
- Jun: Black tern flocks, from a few to hundreds, from the observation deck in mid-JuneJun
- Ungroomed snowshoe and ski trails open (winter)Dec–Feb
Where to watch
- Woods Nature TrailAn easy half-mile dirt and gravel trail starting next to the visitor contact station, one of the best places on the refuge to see warblers in spring and fall migration
- Prairie’s Edge Tour LoopA 4.5-mile self-guided loop for cars, bikes and walkers through sand prairie, backwater marsh and hardwood forest, with an observation deck and high-powered spotting scopes over the main pool
Trempealeau Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge?
Warbler watching is great in late April or early May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: late April or early May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 203 days (late April or early May, local timing).
Does it cost anything to visit?
No, there is no charge to visit, though hunting and trapping need a permit with a fee.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours?
Trails and grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, daylight hours only. The visitor contact station and office are open Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., though limited staffing sometimes closes them.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash on refuge grounds and trails; please clean up after it. Only service dogs are allowed inside the visitor contact station.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms?
Yes: inside the visitor contact station during its hours, and pit toilets in the parking lot next to it that are always open.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I hike up Trempealeau Mountain?
No. Trempealeau Mountain is closed to the public; the Lower Diversion Dike trail ends at its base.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trempealeau NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge?
Woods Nature Trail: an easy half-mile dirt and gravel trail starting next to the visitor contact station, one of the best places on the refuge to see warblers in spring and fall migration; Prairie’s Edge Tour Loop: a 4.5-mile self-guided loop for cars, bikes and walkers through sand prairie, backwater marsh and hardwood forest, with an observation deck and high-powered spotting scopes over the main pool.
What is Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Tundra swans, geese and ducks on the main pool, mid-March well into April (Mar–Apr), Warbler watching at its best, late April or early May (Apr–May), Black tern flocks, from a few to hundreds, from the observation deck in mid-June (Jun) and Ungroomed snowshoe and ski trails open (winter) (Dec–Feb).