Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia.
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for wildlife native to the river's floodplain. The refuge consists of twenty-two islands and four mainland tracts scattered along 362 miles of the upper Ohio River. Most of the refuge's 3440 acres of land and underwater habitat are located in West Virginia; however, Pennsylvania and Kentucky each have two refuge islands.
The refuge is important in conserving the "wild" Ohio within one of our nation's busiest inland waterways. Refuge islands are gradually returning to forested conditions after years of farming, oil and gas extraction, and other activities. The refuge works to protect wildlife and habitats native to the Ohio River and its floodplain. Migratory birds and endangered freshwater mussels are among the important wildlife emphasized on the refuge.
Nearby Activities
- Auto Touring
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Environmental Education
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Interpretive Programs
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Visitor Center
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
Directions to Visitor Center
· From I-77 take WV exit #185; follow WV-14 (Highland Ave.) 1.3 miles; turn right onto Waverly Road (E. 4th St.); continue 2 miles to site.
· From Marietta, OH cross Williamstown Bridge, take first left after DaVinci's Restaurant onto Waverly Road (E. 4th St.); continue 2 miles to site.
· From Vienna, WV take WV-14 N to Williamstown, turn right onto Highland Ave; take first left onto Waverly Road (E. 4th St.): continue 2 miles to site..
Visitor Center Hours:
8:00 - 4:30 Mon - Fri (Dec - Mar)
8:00 - 4:30 Mon - Sat (April - Nov)
Directions to Islands
Most of the refuge's property is accessible only by boat. Public boat ramps are at various locations along the Ohio River providing a launching point to the islands. Mainland properties as well as Middle and Wheeling islands have road access. Visit our Refuge Access page to learn more
