Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1936, this 6,220-acre US Fish & Wildlife Service refuge is considered one of the best bird watching properties in the Midwest with many amenities including an interpretive center, boardwalks, observation platforms, and a well-marked auto tour. The refuge’s uplands, bottomland hardwood forest and marshes produce good birds in any season. Start your tour at the interpretive center where you can get maps and seasonal advice. White Pelicans and Tundra Swans are a big draw in May, spending several weeks on refuge marshes. Many people return in the fall to see Peregrine Falcons, Cinnamon Teal and rare Jaegers as they migrate south. The bottomland hardwood forests offer up Pileated Woodpeckers, Barred Owls and herons. The upland prairie harbors Field Sparrows, Bobolinks and Meadowlarks. Marshland areas attract all types of water birds including rarities like American Avocets in the spring and Glossy Ibis in the fall.

Directions: From Trempealeau, drive north 4 miles on Hwy. 35 to Centerville where the road merges with Hwy. 54 and turns due west. Continue 2.5 miles on 35/54 to West Prairie Road, then .75 miles south to Refuge Road.

Gazetteer: Page 48, D-4.

Phone: 608/539-2311.

Web site: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Signature Species: Black Terns, Grasshopper Sparrow and American Bittern.

Seasonality: Open all year during daylight hours.

Parking: Parking lots throughout refuge.

Nearest food & lodging: Centerville and Trempealeau.