Marais des Cygnes
Pleasanton, KS 66075-8214
Plan Your Visit
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities. Approximately 5,000 acres of the 7,500 acre refuge are available for wildlife oriented recreation including hunting, fishing, and birding. A wildlife sanctuary encompasses the remaining 2,500 acres of the refuge and is not available for public use. Visitors enjoy viewing the forests, prairies and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving or hiking. Roads throughout the refuge are graveled and visitors must maintain the posted speed limit. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals.
Be aware the refuge areas open to the public are interspersed with private land. Please check your map and pay attention to any private property signs that you encounter- Do not trespass on private land.
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge 24141 Kansas Highway 52 Pleasanton, KS 66075-8214
Refuge Headquarters is located about a miles east of US-69 on KS Hwy 52. Pass the rest area and look for the big blue sign with the swans on it on the south side of the road.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature, or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National Wildlife Refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love.
About
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 primarily for the preservation and restoration of bottomland hardwood forest. The Refuge is named after the Marais des Cygnes River which runs through the middle of the refuge and is the dominant natural feature of the region. The 7,500 acres of the Refuge encompass a variety of habitats from bottomland hardwood forests dominated by oaks and hickory to scattered prairie areas. About 2,500 acres of the Refuge is closed to visitation and provides a haven for wildlife including the many migratory birds that use the forests for food and shelter.
