Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

Cass County & Morgan County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
Nature Trail, Observation Deck Parking:
39.844196226, -90.558049
Shearl/Skinner Wetlands Parking:
39.85537242, -90351488
Boat Ramp Parking:
39.8704614, 90.5494276

2219 Beach Road
Meredosia,IL  62665
​

Official Website
​https://www.fws.gov/refuge/meredosia

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Programs (educational & volunteer)
Water (paddle, seasonal fishing (February 1 - October 15))
Other (view wildlife, hunt*)
*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours:  seasonal
February 1 - October 15, dawn to dusk
October 16 - January 31, portions of refuge closed for waterfowl sanctuary
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  https://www.fws.gov/refuge/meredosia/map
On Site:   unknown
 
Parking: multiple parking areas
 
Amenities:  unknown
 
Restrooms: unknown
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps: no
 
Cost:  free admissions                      
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access:  forest, hills, prairie, wetland view & access, lake view & access, river view & access
 
General Description:  3645-acre wildlife refuge (comprised of multiple management units)
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions: 
 

Nature Trail, Observation Deck Parking:

Shearl/Skinner Wetlands Parking:

Boat Ramp Parking:

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
US Fish &  Wildlife Service’s Management Role on Illinois River ​
​

More Information:

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1095900

https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/meredosia-lake
​
https://www.inaturalist.org/places/meredosia-national-wildlife-refuge

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/MeredosiaLake.aspx

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

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meredosia_National_Wildlife_Refuge

https://naturalatlas.com/wildlife-reserves/meredosia-national-wildlife-refuge-1815911

https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/illinois/meredosia-national-wildlife-refuge.php

Managed by:
 Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
19031 East County Road 2110
​North Havana, IL 62644-6372
309-535-2290

*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.  Know before you go!
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.