Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 5, 1947. The refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and fauna. The major habitats on the refuge include oak hickory upland forest, bottomland hardwood forest, cropland, grazing units, brushland, prairie, wetlands and lakes. The refuge also includes a 4,050 acre congressionally designated wilderness area.

Camping and Day Use

  • Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion

Activities and Experiences

  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Vessel Pass

Site Passes

  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass

Nearby Activities

  • Archery
  • Auto Touring
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Environmental Education
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Motor Boat
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Visitor Center
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Wood Cutting

Directions

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located five miles west of Marion, Illinois, and five miles south of Herrin, Illinois, on State Route 148. From I-57 in Marion, go west on Illinois Route 13 about three miles to Illinois Route 148. Turn left (south) and go two and one-half miles. The refuge Visitor Information Center is located on the left.

Additional Information

  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Photo Gallery

  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
  • Autumn colors at Crab OrchardAutumn colors at Crab Orchard NWR
  • Waterfowl lifting off at Crab OrchardWhite-fronted goose and mallards lifting off at Crab Orchard NWR
  • White-tailed deer fawnWhite-tailed deer fawn on Crab Orchard NWR
  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

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