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Wood duck sitting on tree branch
Pool Maps Found Here!

All of the pool maps for the refuge showing where you can hunt, fish, and recreate are found here: Pool Maps 4-14.  These maps outline in more detail the closed areas, sanctuaries, slow no wake areas, etc. 

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has been a haven for migratory birds, fish, wildlife and people since 1924. The refuge stretches 261 river miles from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois, and protects more than 240,000 acres of Mississippi River floodplain. The refuge hosts more than 3.7 million annual visits for hunting, fishing, wildlife observations, and other recreation. The refuge is a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area.

Visit Us

Sun setting behind the bluffs on the Upper Mississippi River
Image Details

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has been a haven for fish, wildlife and people since 1924. The refuge stretches 261 river miles from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois, protecting more than 240,000 acres of Mississippi River floodplain. The refuge hosts more than 3.7 million annual visits for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and other recreation. Your next adventure awaits!  Check out the Pool Maps to learn where you can hunt, fish, and recreate!  NOTE: The interactive map below on this page is still under construction.

Location and Contact Information

      The La Crosse District Visitor Center features a green building surrounded by yellow wildflowers
      The La Crosse District Visitor Center and all other Refuge Offices will be closed Wednesday August 21

      The La Crosse District Visitor Center and all other Refuge Offices on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will be closed Wednesday August 21 for an all-staff meeting.  We appreciate your understanding!

      What We Do

      Services
      Silhouette of a person walking with a shotgun on the tundra
      Apply for a Special Use Permit on National Wildlife Refuges

      Some commercial, recreational and research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges only with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are...

      Service
      Communication
      Permits
      Business Owner/Commercial Business
      Educator/Education Facility
      Landowner - Commercial
      Landowner - Individual
      Oil/Gas Company
      Private Land Owners/Managers
      Researcher or Research Facility - Commercial Scientific

      Our Species

      Observing wildlife can be a fun way to enjoy the refuge and it changes through the seasons. From the summer sounds of frogs, to the spectacular fall migration, you’re sure to discover wildlife when you visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

      Our Library