Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of activities for visitors.

During summer months, the Wildlife Drive offers views of Silver Lake, access to fishing sites and provides an easy blind for viewing wildlife on the refuge. The large observation tower is open during visitor center hours year round, and provides an excellent panoramic view of Swan Lake, wetlands and fields. The nature trail, which accesses a viewing platform, is also open year round and visitors can view large numbers of geese and other wildlife from the trail or the main entrance road.

Visitors can also enjoy hunting and fishing during the state-designated seasons. The refuge also offers several special events and programs for visitors throughout the year.

Driving Directions

To reach Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge:

From Chillicothe, Missouri:

Take Highway 65 South to Highway H East. Turn east on Highway 139 to Highway RA south, which enters the main gate of the refuge.

From Brookfield, Missouri:

Take Highway 36 West to SH 139 South, then to Highway RA, which enters the main gate of the refuge.

From Carrolton, Missouri:

Take Highway 24 East to Highway 11 North. Then turn north on Highway CC, which enters the east gate of the refuge approximately two miles north of Mendon, Missouri.

From Brunswick, Missouri:

Take Highway 11 North to Highway CC North, which enters the east gate of the refuge approximately two miles north of Mendon, Missouri.

The temporary visitor contact station is located in the office trailer, which is near the maintenance shop. From the main gate, travel about one mile south on Swan Lake Avenue to reach the office trailer. A new visitor contact station, scheduled to open in 2024, is planned and will be located near the main entrance gate.

The headquarters area of the refuge is located near the visitor contact station, about one mile down Swan Lake Avenue from the main gate.

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at the headquarters area. There are no public restrooms in the visitor contact station.

Points of Interest

The Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center houses the refuge headquarters and has a number of hands on exhibits that explain the mission of the refuge. It also has a gift shop operated by the Friends of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge.



Check out the large viewing observation tower in a converted grain silo that is located in the headquarters area. It provides an excellent panoramic view of Swan Lake, wetlands and fields. The nature trail is open year round and large numbers of geese and other wildlife can be viewed from the trail or main entrance road. You can also drive along the auto tour route, to see the variety of wildlife that call the refuge home and access other recreation sites such as fishing platforms.

Swan Lake hosts two major environmental education programs for school groups. Each May, the refuge hosts our Annual 8th Grade Outdoors Day for area students. In September, the refuge puts on grassland and wetland tours for area fifth through seventh grade students. While participating in these hands-on tours, students learn about key refuge habitats and how they are managed to benefit migratory birds and other wildlife.

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to many ranger-led programs. The most popular is “First Fridays at the Refuge”, which is held on the first Friday of each month from April through August. First Fridays are a fun, family-oriented, outdoor-themed event which lasts through the evening hours and includes activities for children and adults. The refuge, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, also hosts a Greenwing Day in the fall.

What To Do

If you have 15-minutes:

• Stop in the refuge visitor contact station to browse the informative exhibits. Then borrow the key to the observation tower and climb up for panoramic views of the refuge.

If you have one hour, you could:

• Take a walk on the nature trail, which begins at the headquarters area and ends at a viewing platform where you can see Swan Lake and its inhabitants
• Experience the wildlife drive, where you can see Silver Lake and, if you’re lucky, a wide variety of wildlife

If you have half a day or more:

• Take time to experience all of the above. Try your hand at wildlife photography, or bring your pole and fish for channel catfish, flathead, bullhead, carp, buffalo and crappie from a platform on Silver Lake.

Know Before You Go

The refuge roads are gravel and accessible to most vehicles. During the summer months, you should bring insect repellent if you plan on hiking. The refuge has one short nature trail and the rest of the refuge is open to foot travel during the summer months. Many parts of the refuge are wet areas, so we recommend waterproof shoes for walking. Be sure to bring sunscreen, drinking water and snacks and to dress appropriately for the seasons.

Visitor Tips

Begin your visit with a stop at the visitor center, where you can pick up a map and get information about what wildlife is likely to be active and where.

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for seeing a variety of birds. The most commonly seen birds are waterfowl and shorebirds. The best viewing for waterfowl is during the spring migration, where nearly every waterfowl species in the Central Flyway can be seen using the refuge’s wetlands. April and May are good times to look for shorebirds. Evenings are the best time to view deer. Many visitors make their way through the refuge just before dark to try and get a glimpse of a large buck.