necedah national wildlife refuge

It was six degrees outside so needless to say we didn't get out of the car much. The animals were hunkered down so we didn't see much. It was a lovely drive and the roads were well shoveled.

You do not get to see the baby cranes as they prepare for their trip south but there is a very nice kiosk near highway 21. The refuge is quite large but there are roads by some of the ponds where you may see ducks and other wild life.

Went on a tour of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge . . . many photo-ops for wildlife and birds, particularly Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes in their natural environments.

Fantastic visitors center with great displays and a very good gift shop. The Volunteers were both knowledgeable and helpful. Even in mid March we saw a Bald Eagle sitting on its nest as well as two Trumpeter Swans and some Sandhill Cranes.

This was our first time to the visitor center although we have driven through the refuge before. The newer center is impressive. The staff were very friendly and helpful showing us the trails on the maps provided. The trail we hiked for the first time was well marked and we enjoyed our snow shoe hike. Definitely will be back to check out more as we were limited on time that day.

For the first time in over 15 years, I was able to get close enough to photograph these magnificent birds! My father in law said it was only the 2nd time in 40 years he was that close. They were just wandering across the road we were passing through on! You never know what you will see driving through - deer, porcupine, badger, wild turkey, bald eagles. It is always fun! The Visitor Center is really neat and it is solar-powered too. I love visiting here. Great hiking too.

We've been visiting the refuge for years, but they have built a brand new visitor center that is LOADED with wonderful dioramas, interactive displays (can you identify the birdsong?), a gift shop (including books, jewlery, t-shirts), a mini theater that shows a film about the wildlife in the area. The bathrooms are clean (some inside and some with access from outside) The staff is always helpful and friendly (they directed us to a pond to try out our fishing skills) Outside the center you can find boardwalk and gravel trails that lead through the refuge with a chance to see whooping cranes, swans, mallards, karner blue butterflies and even deer! Bird feeders outside the center attract several species of birds including downy woodpeckers, red headed woodpeckers and bluejays. The refuge has many roads that pass by flooded canals and areas to see additional wildlife (we've seen grouse, wooducks, and even an American Bittern!) The refuge has various events throughout the year including waterfowl hunting workshops,and a photography group that meets once a month. Additional hiking trails are available within the refuge and one leads to a lookout tower to view the wetlands. This is a wilderness refuge that can be enjoyed by all ages throughout all the seasons. We have visited the refuge year round and have found many new things to enjoy when visiting this park.

Great place to see wildlife in it's natural habitat. Nice place for a family hike and picnic. Make a full day of it.

Great for kids! If you are looking for an educational outing, this is a great option. A lot to look at and do. It is really an awesome place to take your children.

Went here a few weeks ago. We took a small walk then drove throughout the refuge. The scenery was beautiful as the leaves were changing. The roads can be a little confusing as all gates weren't open.

visited on june 13,2012, and what a great place to explore and learn. This place is great for children and adults alike. I was a little disappointed in not seeing this place with lots of people. On the other hand I was happy that my family could do a personal tour of the new visitor's center and speak with Edie and the manager without feeling rushed.My husband was able to give some tips to the manager as well. This is a must see place. The gift shop was reasonably priced. See you soon. God bless you..

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge gives you the opportunity to view rare whooping cranes up close--just beautiful! You'll find a great visitors center & gift shop with great interactive displays, all overlooking a flowage with viewing opportunities also for a variety of songbirds, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, golden eagles, ducks, geese, and often trumpeter swans. You'll also find unlimited hiking and biking and the chance to also see deer, wolves or bears. There are several great spots for fishing and picnicking too. Bring your binoculars! Afterwards, head SE to Castle Rock lake for some time on the water, a swim at one of the public beaches or to dine along the lake at the many bars or restaurants. Nearby Buckhorn State Park offers hike-in campsites along the lake. A perfect spot to spend a night or two.

The refuge opened a new visitor center in 2011. It's filled with lots of great hands on activities to help kids learn about animals and their environment. Center has a gift shop, and is built using "green" practices. The area around the center has many boardwalk and gravel hiking trails. The surrounding area provides additional hiking trails, look out towers, lakes, ponds, creeks. Sometimes you can even spot a deer or a whooping crane. We've also been lucky enough to see a great horned owl in her nest with three babies! The rangers are friendly and helpful. I think the only day the center isn't open is Sunday, otherwise the trails and driving roads are open year round.