DeSoto Refugewinter wildlife
Bald eagle viewing is best in winter, with two peaks rather than one: early December, then again in late February and early March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Dec 1–Mar 10). No official report yet this season.
Right now in DeSoto Refuge · September
- Fishing, no-wake boating and off-trail exploring (expanded public use season) · Apr–Oct
64days to the next winter wildlife seasonDec 1–Mar 10, local timing
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Bald eagles peak again, late February and early MarchFeb–Mar
- Mar: Spring waterfowl migration peak, early MarchMar
- Fishing, no-wake boating and off-trail exploring (expanded public use season)NowApr–Oct
- South gate and Green Heron Trail closed for migration seasonOct–Apr
- Nov: Peak waterfowl migration, typically NovemberNov
- Dec: Bald eagles peak, early DecemberDec
Where to watch
- Visitor center viewing windowsIndoor windows over DeSoto Lake where eagles, ducks and geese can be seen; open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Bob Starr Wildlife OverlookA viewing blind at the end of the paved road from the visitor center, open all year; an active eagle nest sits directly across the lake
DeSoto Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
Bald eagle viewing is best in winter, with two peaks rather than one: early December, then again in late February and early March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Dec 1–Mar 10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 64 days (Dec 1–Mar 10, local timing).
Is it in Iowa or Nebraska?
The refuge sits on the Missouri River on Highway 30 between Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Blair, Nebraska, 25 miles north of Omaha. The visitor center's address is in Missouri Valley, Iowa.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee?
Yes: $3.00 per vehicle per day, paid at the visitor center or self-service stations at the entrances. A $15.00 refuge annual pass, a Federal Duck Stamp and the America the Beautiful passes also work.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Which entrance should I use in winter?
The Highway 30 entrance. The south gate near Wilson Island is closed from October 15 to April 14, so check that your GPS doesn't route you there.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours in winter?
From October 15 to April 14, roads and trails are open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, and the auto tour route changes to keep disturbance to waterfowl low.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms?
Inside the visitor center during business hours, and pit toilets at the Cottonwood/Grassland Nature Trail parking lot, the Middle Boat Ramp and the South Gate Recreation Area.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
Visitor center viewing windows: indoor windows over DeSoto Lake where eagles, ducks and geese can be seen; open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Bob Starr Wildlife Overlook: a viewing blind at the end of the paved road from the visitor center, open all year; an active eagle nest sits directly across the lake.
Are there closures or permits to know about in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
South gate and Green Heron Trail closed for migration season (Oct–Apr).
What is DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Bald eagles peak, early December (Dec), Bald eagles peak again, late February and early March (Feb–Mar), Peak waterfowl migration, typically November (Nov), Spring waterfowl migration peak, early March (Mar), Fishing, no-wake boating and off-trail exploring (expanded public use season) (Apr–Oct) and South gate and Green Heron Trail closed for migration season (Oct–Apr).