Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Decatur, AL, the refuge attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl each year as well as manages and protects habitat for 12 federally endangered or threatened species.

CLOSURES & REOPENING DATES

Facility Closures (updated 09/29/2023)

OPEN: The Wildlife Photography Blind, Atkeson Cypress Boardwalk, and Visitor Center grounds are open. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9:00-4:00. (These reduced hours will be in place until the Visitor Center building reopens)
OPEN: The new Hiking and Bicycling Trail (5.5 miles total mileage) is now open for use. The gravel parking lot and trailhead can be accessed by turning left at the Refuge Information Kiosk located near the beginning of the Visitor Center Entrance Road. Open daylight hours only.
CLOSED: The Wildlife Observation Building is closed temporarily to address a construction-related issue. Please visit the Wildlife Photography Blind instead during this time.
CLOSED: The Visitor Center building will remain closed through the summer and fall as work continues on its interior and its new interpretive exhibits.
An ADA portable toilet is available in the visitor center parking lot, but visitors are encouraged to use restroom facilities before visiting the refuge.
Group visits will not be scheduled for the foreseeable future to allow staff to focus on reopening facilities.
ROAD REOPENING: Rockhouse Road, Jolly B Road and HGH Road have been reopened starting Saturday, September 16. Reminder: these roads are open to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians and the speed limit of 15 mph is being enforced.

In-person visitor services will not be available during this time. Refuge information, maps, hunt permits, and trail guides will be available at the information kiosk outside of the visitor center front gate as well as the Document Library on the bottom of this webpage. Visitors needing further assistance should call (256) 350-6639, and leave a message, if needed.

Detailed refuge rules and regulations can be found at this link.

America the Beautiful Park Passes:

Those wanting to purchase an Interagency Park Pass should call (256) 350-6639 to make an appointment and arrangements to buy the pass.

Visit Us

Image Details

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is rich in wildlife and recreation opportunities. Thousands of people come to the refuge each year to enjoy solitude, to commune with nature, and to share the joys of wildlife and being outdoors with family and friends. The refuge Visitor Center and Observation Building are located near each other and should be your priority stop when visiting the refuge for the first time.

Learn More About Visiting

Location and Contact Information

About Us

Mallard ducks in a wetland with vegetation.

Image Details

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as a wintering area for ducks, geese and other migratory birds. Today, the refuge attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl and cranes each year. The refuge is also a winter home to the endangered whooping crane who first arrived in 2004.

Learn More About Us

What We Do

To help plants and wildlife, refuge staff uses a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover, or enhance plant and wildlife values. Refuge staff carefully considers many management techniques and employs them in varying degrees according to the situation.

More About What We Do

Our Species

A red-headed woodpecker sitting on a branch in a redbud tree.

Image Details

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. A diversity of habitat types provide excellent feeding, resting, and roosting sites for wintering waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes , as well as nesting sites for neotropical migrant birds and many species of resident wildlife.