Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is Illinois’ largest wildlife refuge covering nearly 44,000 acres of land and water. The refuge was established in 1947 and is located 5 miles west of Marion in southern Illinois.

During winter months, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge provides migrating waterfowl with a temporary habitat and hosts around 150,000 Canada Geese as well as many other migrating birds. More than 200 bird species have been spotted at Crab Orchard. The refuge’s forest, farm land, wetland, and lakes play host to a diverse collection of wildlife. From mink to chorus frogs, there is a wide spectrum of wildlife at Crab Orchard.

Wildlife conservation isn’t the only purpose for Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. More than one million people visit Crab Orchard annually for its recreational activities. Crab Orchard Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Devil’s Kitchen Lake are the refuge’s three lakes that together cover 8,700 acres. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular activities among the lake guests. Other activities include hunting, camping, picnicking, biking, hiking, and bird watching.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has a visitor center at the refuge’s entrance that offers maps and information that are most useful to visitors.

For more information about Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, write or call:

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
8588 Route 148
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-3344

Directions:
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located 8 miles east of Carbondale as well as 6 miles west of Marion on Highway 13.

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