Two Rivers Refugewinter wildlife
Bald eagles usually begin to arrive in October and stay until early spring, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Its usual window hasn't started yet this year.
Right now at Two Rivers Refuge
Right now in Two Rivers Refuge · September
- Visitor contact station open weekdays, year-round · Jan–Dec
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Observation decks at the visitor center (Calhoun Division)Look over fields, wetlands and Swan Lake, where thousands of geese, ducks and pelicans feed and bald eagles are regular in winter
- Clarksville Island from the Clarksville, Missouri boat rampPark at the city boat ramp and watch eagles fish and perch on the refuge island across the river; the island itself is boat-only
- Gilbert Lake overlook on Highway 100A highway pull-off between the Brussels Ferry and Pere Marquette State Park; a 3-mile gravel trail for bird watching
Nearby
- Meredosia Refuge63 mimigration typically peaks in November
- Emiquon Refuge99 mimigration typically peaks in November
- Chautauqua Refuge103 miMigration typically peaks in November
- Mingo Refuge138 mi3 separate phases, from September and October
- Tennessee Refuge223 miearly JanuarySatRain Showers Likely
- Loess Bluffs Refuge262 mifrom mid-October, peaking in mid- to late NovemberSatPartly Sunny
The year at Two Rivers Refuge
- Visitor contact station open weekdays, year-roundNowJan–Dec
- Swan Lake Unit closed (October 16 to December 31)Oct–Dec
- Oct: Bald eagles begin to arrive (October), staying until early springOct
Two Rivers Refuge in pictures
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Bald eagles usually begin to arrive in October and stay until early spring, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: usually begin to arrive in October. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not yet: its usual winter wildlife timing is usually begin to arrive in October, local timing.
Is there a fee?
No, there is no charge to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What's closed in late fall?
From October 16 through December 31 the Swan Lake Unit is closed to protect waterfowl. The rest of the Calhoun Division and the Batchtown and Gilbert Lake divisions stay open on foot, but boats and vehicles must stay out except in designated parking areas.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get there from Alton?
Drive 17 miles west on Highway 100 through Grafton and cross the Illinois River on the Brussels Ferry, which is free and runs 24 hours. When ice or high water stops the ferry, go north on Highway 100 to Hardin and come back down Illinois River Road. For GPS, enter Wildlife Conservation Road, Brussels, IL.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I borrow binoculars?
Yes, at the visitor contact station, which also has a wildlife sighting board. It's open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except federal holidays.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is wildlife most active?
Early morning and late afternoon. The refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash; please clean up after them.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Observation decks at the visitor center (Calhoun Division): look over fields, wetlands and Swan Lake, where thousands of geese, ducks and pelicans feed and bald eagles are regular in winter; Clarksville Island from the Clarksville, Missouri boat ramp: park at the city boat ramp and watch eagles fish and perch on the refuge island across the river; the island itself is boat-only; Gilbert Lake overlook on Highway 100: a highway pull-off between the Brussels Ferry and Pere Marquette State Park; a 3-mile gravel trail for bird watching.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Swan Lake Unit closed (October 16 to December 31) (Oct–Dec).
What is Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Bald eagles begin to arrive (October), staying until early spring (Oct), Swan Lake Unit closed (October 16 to December 31) (Oct–Dec) and Visitor contact station open weekdays, year-round (Jan–Dec).