Swan Lake
Plan Your Visit
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of activities for visitors.
During summer months, the Wildlife Drive offers views of Silver Lake and access to fishing sites. The Auto-tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.
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.
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of activities for visitors, including fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, photography, auto-tour, nature trails, boating, and more! There may be specific rules or permits required for some activities, so it’s best to plan ahead. Most activities are available year-round.
Migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting were expanded in 2015.Swan Lake NWR was created to protect habitat for ducks and prairie chickens. Geese were rare visitors until 1941 when 800 Canada geese wintered at the refuge. Over the years, the refuge gradually attracted...
Major species include carp, buffalo and bluegill. Fishing season is March 1-October 15. Boat motors on Silver Lake are restricted to 10 hp or less.
During summer months, the Wildlife Drive offers views of Silver Lake and access to fishing sites. The Auto-tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Seasonal firewood gathering is available at a few sites, by permit. Tree cutting is generally limited to dead and downed trees or non-native trees. Some refuges have stopped allowing firewood cutting to stem the spread of the emerald ash borer, an invasive pest. Check individual sites for more information.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The Refuge System offers hundreds of miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Trapping is carefully managed to ensure safety and the sustainability of wildlife populations. Permitted trapping on refuges typically mirrors state regulations, and trappers who access refuge lands for recreation must possess state licenses and follow state regulations as well as permit stipulations.
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.
There is no charge to visit.
Activities
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Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love.
Services
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides cooperative agriculture opportunities for farming and issues permits for activities like firewood cutting. The refuge also accommodates various recreational and research activities through the Special Use Permit process.
About
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to provide habitat and a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife. Managed as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, it encompasses 10,795 acres primarily focused on wetland habitat management for waterfowl, geese, and shorebirds. The refuge is recognized as an Important Bird Area for Missouri and is currently managed as part of the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Complex.