Horseshoe crabs come ashore in spring at Mispillion Harbor, Delaware. (Photo: Gregory Breese/USFWS)National wildlife refuges are world-renowned as places to see great seasonal migrations of fish and wildlife, iconic animals like bison and bears, and ordinary creatures thriving in their natural habitats.
Seasonal Wonders
National wildlife refuges are ideal places to see the remarkable mass movements of wildlife as the seasons change.
See:
- Spring marvels on refuges.
- Summer sights on refuges.
- Fall wonders on refuges.
- Winter wonders on refuges.
Favorite Sights
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Iconic Animals Animals on wildlife refuges include bison, elk, alligators and Kodiak brown bears. -
Rare Species Many wildlife refuges provide habitat for threatened or endangered animals and plants. -
Scenic Vistas
Refuge landscapes range from mountain forests to deserts, from coastal plains to wetlands.
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Historic Lighthouses More than two dozen of these evocative structures stand on land managed by national wildlife refuges. -
Cultural Treasures The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service exhibits and interprets remnants of the past on wildlife refuges. -
Native Wildflowers
Because they conserve many native plants, wildlife refuges often offer vivid wildflower displays.
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Walking Trails Besides hiking trails, refuges offer art trails, nature trails and even scat trails to teach and entertain. -
Scenic Drives Many wildlife refuges offer super driving routes along which you can often see wildlife from your car. -
Conservation in Action See how wildlife refuges improve lands and communities by restoring and improving habitat.
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana. (Photo: George Jordan/USFWS)