Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

Fulton County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
Spoon River Access:  40.305623, -90.085568
Wilder Tract:  40.310109, -90.088266

N State Route 97
​(near County Road 9 and US Route 136)
Lewistown, IL  61542

Official Website
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/emiquon/

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Water (paddle, fish)
Other (hunt*, view wildlife)
​*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours:  sunrise to sunset
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online: 
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Emiquon/map.html
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_3/NWRS/Zone_1/Illinois_River_Complex/Emiquon/Sections/Maps/emiquon.jpg
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/il_river_tour(2).pdf
On Site:  sometimes available at kiosk
 
Parking:  multiple parking lots (see maps)
 
Amenities:  picnic tables
 
Restrooms: no
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  no
 
Cost: free                    
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  designated as  a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (part of the Emiquon Complex); Birding Hotspot; iNaturalist location
 
Terrain/Views/Access: forest, prairie, open grass space,
wetland view & access, river view & access
 
General Description:  2631-acre wildlife refuge that abuts Emiquon Preserve and is part of an 12875-acre wildlife refuge complex
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  ​

Emiquon NWR (Main Entrance):

Emiquon NWR (west):

Emiquon NWR (Oxbow Public Use Area):

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
​Emiquon NWR Map (PDF)
​Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Complex Bird Checklist (PDF)
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge Brochure (PDF)
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge Regulations (PDF)
Nature Field Guide to Illinois River Valley (PDF)
Belle Rose Nature Trail (PDF)
US Fish &  Wildlife Service’s Management Role on Illinois River 
​

More Information:
​
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2728721

https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2021/01/03/emiquon-preserve-near-havana-attracts-migrating-waterfowl/4073412001/​

http://ilrdss.sws.uiuc.edu/pubs/govconf2013/session1b/Barry_B1.pdf

https://www.peoriamagazine.com/archive/as_article/creating-sanctuary/

http://npshistory.com/brochures/nwr/emiquon.pdf

https://www.illinoistimes.com/springfield/return-to-emiquon/Content?oid=11444919

https://video.wtvp.org/show/nature-returns-emiquon/

https://www.peoriamagazines.com/pm/2019/jun/emiquon-visitors-guide

https://vimeo.com/459904023?fbclid=IwAR2g3iO4eaWEPm5xyjO-EqFnOsUISYegnl9XvNpAn_AttPVj-0evqCsc55M​

​https://icl.coop/the-emiquon-preserve-is-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/​

http://www.peoriaaudubon.org/lbs_emiquon.htm
​
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emiquon_National_Wildlife_Refuge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxzts3btU40

https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/emiquon-preserve-and-national-wildlife-refuge-iba#

https://www.uis.edu/emiquon/about/preserve/

https://theriverlanding.typepad.com/the_river_landing/emiquon-national-wildlife-refuge/

https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/lewistown/nature-outdoor-recreation/emiquon-national-wildlife-refuge/
​
https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/fieldstations/irbs/research/emiquon/

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/OI/Documents/Oct11EmiquonHowHabitatRestorationWorks.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnOI89rNa_s

http://lewistownillinois.org/wp/emiquon-national-wildlife-refuge/

Managed by:
Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Complex
19031 E County Road 2110N
Havana, IL 62644
309-535-2290
[email protected]

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunting information on the IL DNR website
https://huntillinois.org/​ .
​Some sites may have signs indicating “Hunting in Progress” in place at the parking lots.  Some will have NO indication of hunting.
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.