Wildlife refuge · Arkansas
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its own timing: January and February.
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge in pictures
Illustrative photos, not current conditions

What the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says
“The refuge was established in August of 1915 by Executive Order of President Woodrow Wilson to serve as an inviolate sanctuary, reserve, and breeding ground for native and migratory birds.”Visit official site ↗
When to go
In the source's own words; no peak claimed unless the source says so
- January and February“The refuge annually winters several species of waterfowl. Peak numbers in January and February can exceed 200,000 birds.”
Before you go
The observation platform at Mud Island is an excellent place to view eagles and waterfowl.
Worth the drive
60 to 100 straight-line miles away
Mingo Refuge 77 mi · Greer Spring 93 mi
How we know
Every fact on this page, from these pages
- Sep 30Park ServiceBig Lake National Wildlife Refuge: seasonal timing (Codex round 25; saved under research/round25/pages/)Source (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge in a new tab)
- Oct 1Park ServiceBig Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Codex round 28)Source (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge in a new tab)