The Port Louisa National Widlife Refuge headquarters is located just east of Wapello, Iowa on county road X61 in Louisa County. The Port Louisa staff manages four divisions - Louisa, Horseshoe Bend, Big Timber (including the islands) and Keithsburg - totaling 8,375 acres of floodplain.
Port Louisa is the northernmost refuge in the Mark Twain Complex. The refuge provides several opportunities for public use including hunting, fishing, hiking, photography, interpretation, environmental education, and wildlife observation (not all activities are allowed on all divisions). Visit our public use regulations page for more information on regulations and other opportunities. Port Louisa was established for the protection of migratory birds. It is located along the Mississippi River Flyway, one of the major routes for migrating waterfowl. Key goals of the refuge are to conserve and enhance the quality and diversity of fish and wildlife and their habitats; and to restore floodplain functions in the river corridor. |
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is an agency of the Department of the Interior. Our mission is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.