Swan Lake is an epicenter of wildlife in northern Missouri
This remote refuge will delight bird watchers and lovers of nature.
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is compromised of more than 10,000 acres of lowlands and wetlands in north central Missouri. It’s off the beaten path, between the small towns of Laclede and Brunswick. If you want to see birds, this is the place for you. Although home to numerous species, the refuge is noted for hosting ducks and geese, eagles, egrets, heron, shorebirds, red-winged blackbirds, deer and aquatic and semi-acquatic mammals. Don’t plan on any special facilities, visitor center or bells and whistles. Although there is a short trail near the former visitors center (now closed), plan on walking along roads, through fields and exploring on your own. The refuge is accessed by gravel roads and has no paved roads within its boundaries. Hunting is allowed according to state seasons and regulations.
What’s nearby?
If you want to get some walking miles in on trails, there are two nearby options:
