Big Muddy
Boonville, MO 65233-3126
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer a chance to reconnect with nature at any of the 17 units within the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
Driving Directions to Headquarters: Eight miles east of Boonville, Missouri. Take I-70 to exit 111. Turn onto Highway 179, then left onto Highway 98. Travel half a mile and turn right onto Brady Lane. Continue straight to headquarters.
Know Before You Go: Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Bring water, binoculars, and insect repellent (especially for ticks in summer).
Visitor Tips: Cell phone service is limited in many units. Monitor predicted river levels before visiting, as units are subject to flooding. During the second week of November (firearms deer season), all visitors should wear blaze orange.
There is no charge to visit.
Take exit 111 off Interstate 70 near Boonville, MO. Follow directional signs to headquarters.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. Refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger.
Services
All refuge units are open to the public and many have at least one parking facility and informational kiosk. Some units have trails, scour lakes for fishing and all are open to hunting and undeveloped natural exploration and enjoyment.
About
Established in 1994, Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge focuses on restoring the Missouri River floodplain along its final 367 miles. The refuge encompasses nearly 20,000 acres of habitat, including scour holes, bottomland forests, and side channels. Its mission is to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources for the benefit of present and future generations.