The Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

The Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge is spread out along 125 miles of the Illinois River. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service manages the four units within the refuge and its headquarters are located in Havana.

The federal government began acquiring refuge land in 1936 and 11,354 acres have been purchased to date. The Active Land Acquisition Program for acquiring new land has a goal of restoring 32,000 acres along the Illinois River. The main purpose of the refuge is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife as well as their habitat.

The four units: Chautauqua, Meredosia, Emiquon, and Cameron host 264 species of birds and more than 100 species of fish. Besides wildlife observation, refuge guests enjoy hiking, hunting, and fishing.

For more information about the Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, write or call:

The Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
19031 East County Road 2110N
Havana, IL 62644
(309) 535-2290

Directions:
From Peoria, take Interstate 155 south 21 miles to exit 10. Go west on Highway 136 for 32 miles to Havana.

From Springfield, take Highway 97 northwest for 44 miles to Havana.

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