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National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. A visit to a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge
is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and discover a new place. Visitors can enjoy the refuge in many ways! While canoeing through a one of the water ways of the Bald Cypress Water Tupelo Swamp or watching an amazing sunrise while waterfowl hunting. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, hunting, wildlife photography or birdwatching a visit to Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to explore nature.

Driving Directions

The refuge is located in the southernmost portion of Illinois with lands located in Alexander, Johnson, Pulaski Pulaski
The Pulaski is a special hand tool used in wildland firefighting. The tool combines an axe and an adze in one head, similar to that of the cutter mattock, with a rigid handle of wood, plastic, or fiberglass. The Pulaski is a versatile tool for constructing firebreaks, as it can be used to both dig soil and chop wood.

Learn more about Pulaski
and Union Counties. 

The refuge is part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the office is located at 6987 Headquarters Road, Marion, IL 62959,(five miles west of Marion, Illinois and five miles south of Herrin Illinois on State Route 148). You can call the office at 618-997-3344.

Fees

There is no charge to visit Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available inside the refuge office.

Points of Interest

Let our staff and volunteers at the refuge office help you plan your visit! This is a great starting point for visitors to become more familiar with the refuge and the wildlife that live here. Visitors can get information of where to go hiking, fishing or hunting. 

What To Do

Hike our 2.5 mile Limekiln Springs Trail to see limestone outcrops, floodplain forest, multiple springs and two boardwalks for viewing the swamp.

Know Before You Go

To get the most enjoyment out of your visit, be sure to come prepared. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the waterways or off down a trail. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for canoeing, sturdy shoes for land excursions and to dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Visitor Tips

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing around Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in the morning and evenings. Spring and summer are great times to hike a trail. After the winter season many anglers come to enjoy refuge lakes. In fall and winter seasons, hunters visit the refuge to hunt for deer, turkey and waterfowl.

Another destination stop includes the Cache River Wetlands Center operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is located at 8885 State Route 37, Cypress, IL. You can call the center at 618-657-2064.

Please review the refuge hunting and fishing brochure for area regulations and prohibited activities. This brochure also includes a map.

Activities

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities to visitors, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, interpretation, boating, wildlife observation and birdwatching.

Trails

Refuge trails are open during daylight hours, year-round. For trail conditions or if you see a downed tree call the maintenance at 618-997-3344 and identify trail and the issue. 

Primary Contact Information
911 in case of emergency
Refuge Headquarters: 618-997-3344
If you find injured wildlife https://ahnow.org/#/

Rules and Policies

Welcome to your national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge
. Discover new places to hunt, fish, take pictures, watch wildlife, walk, and canoe. Enjoy spending time outdoors alone or with friends and family. For more information, please contact the refuge office at 618-997-3344.

Access to the refuge is open from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset unless otherwise posted or stated in hunting regulations. 

Locations

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
6987 Headquarters RoadMarion,IL62959
Hours
Refuge Office Hours (located Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge)
Daily
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.