Hackmatack
Ringwood, IL 60072-7692
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Discover new places to hunt, fish, take pictures, watch wildlife, walk, cross-country ski and snowshoe.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms available.
Points of Interest
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge features restored prairies, oak savannas, forests, wetlands and creek side habitats. Look for nesting wood ducks, migrating monarchs and wintering bald eagles throughout the area.
Know Before You Go
Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.
Visitor Tips
Plan your trip based on what you would like to see. If you want to see migratory birds, come in the spring or fall. Dawn and dusk are the best times of the day to view most wildlife. Remember though, the refuge is only open 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge was born out of a volunteer movement. Volunteers and Friends members plan events, lead field trips, remove invasive plants and restore habitats. We cannot manage this refuge without you!
Services
The refuge’s primary conservation tool is to link and expand upon existing conservation areas to provide sufficient habitat for nesting grassland birds and waterfowl that are sensitive to fragmented habitat and edges, benefit migratory birds and endangered species, and assist the terrestrial migration of small mammals, herptiles and plants.
About
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge was established on November 6, 2012, with the donation of a 12-acre conservation easement. The refuge serves to connect conserved lands in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois to improve habitats for migratory birds and endangered species. Working with partners, it aims to restore over 11,000 acres of wetland, prairie, and forest. The refuge also provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, and environmental education for future generations.