Loess Bluffs Refugewinter wildlife
Fall snow geese arrive from mid-October, with the peak in mid to late November, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Oct 15–Nov 30). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Loess Bluffs Refuge · September
17days to the next winter wildlife seasonOct 15–Nov 30, local timing
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring snow goose migration (arrive mid-February, peak mid-March)Feb–Mar
- Wildlife with youngJun–Aug
- Migrating waterfowl on their way southOct–Dec
- Fall snow geese (peak in mid to late November)Oct–Nov
- Bald eagles, best in December and January (migration peak usually by December 1)Dec–Jan
Where to watch
- 10-mile auto tourStarts at the observation deck by the main entrance and loops past wetlands, grasslands and forest, with spotting scopes along the drive; open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Eagle Overlook TrailAn easy 1.2-mile out-and-back walk from the south end of the auto tour, along the levee between Pelican Pool and Eagle Pool to a viewing tower
Loess Bluffs Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: 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 Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Fall snow geese arrive from mid-October, with the peak in mid to late November, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Oct 15–Nov 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 17 days (Oct 15–Nov 30, local timing).
Is there a fee?
No, there is no charge to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is it open?
The auto tour, lands and trails are open daily, federal holidays included, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The visitor contact station is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except federal holidays.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms?
Inside the headquarters and visitor contact station when it's open, and at the comfort station in the headquarters parking lot at all hours.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When do the geese fly?
They usually fly out at or before sunrise to feed on waste grain in nearby farm fields, come and go through the morning, and gather in big numbers on the wetlands by midday; in late afternoon they leave again and return at or after sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get there?
It's near Mound City, about 30 miles northwest of St. Joseph: take I-29 to Exit 79 just south of Mound City, then go south 2.5 miles on U.S. Highway 159. Dress warmly in winter.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
10-mile auto tour: starts at the observation deck by the main entrance and loops past wetlands, grasslands and forest, with spotting scopes along the drive; open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; Eagle Overlook Trail: an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back walk from the south end of the auto tour, along the levee between Pelican Pool and Eagle Pool to a viewing tower.
What is Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Fall snow geese (peak in mid to late November) (Oct–Nov), Bald eagles, best in December and January (migration peak usually by December 1) (Dec–Jan), Migrating waterfowl on their way south (Oct–Dec), Spring snow goose migration (arrive mid-February, peak mid-March) (Feb–Mar) and Wildlife with young (Jun–Aug).