About Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established on July 7, 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It was the first refuge ever superimposed on a hydro-electric impoundment and in the early stages, considered an experiment to determine the possibility of attracting migratory waterfowl onto a multipurpose impoundment. Although designated as a waterfowl refuge, the 35,000 acre refuge provides for a wide spectrum of wildlife. Its great diversity of habitat includes deep river channels, tributary creeks, tupelo swamps, open backwater embayments, bottomland hardwoods, pine uplands, and agricultural fields. This rich mix of habitats provide places for over 295 bird species to rest, nest and winter, including over 30 species of waterfowl and an increasing population of Sandhill cranes and a small number of Whooping cranes. The refuge is also home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels, and 26 species of freshwater snails. Other animals such as the endangered Gray bat and Whooping crane benefit from the protection of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the care of dedicated refuge staff and other friends of wildlife, like you.
How to Get There
Wheeler NWR is located in Decatur, Alabama, about 80 miles north of Birmingham and 30 miles west of Huntsville. From Interstate 65, take exit 334 and travel west on highway 67. The Refuge visitor center is 2 miles on the left and the Refuge headquarters is 2.5 miles on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1670) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Wheeler NWR is located in Decatur, Alabama, about 80 miles north of Birmingham and 30 miles west of Huntsville. From Interstate 65, take exit 334 and travel west on highway 67. The Refuge visitor center is 2 miles on the left and the Refuge headquarters is 2.5 miles on the right.
How do I contact Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 256-353-7243 or email: wheeler@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
