About Great River National Wildlife Refuge
What is now known as Great River National Wildlife Refuge began in 1958 as part of Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling refuge which included units along the Mississippi River in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. In 1964, part of Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge was renamed Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, after a former Missouri Congressman who was instrumental in establishing that part of the refuge. In 2001, the remainder of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge was further separated into four smaller refuges which became Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge and Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.The refuge restores and mimics the mosaic of habitats that were historically found along the Mississippi River. Slow moving backwaters, floodplain forests, wetlands, sedge meadows and grasslands combine to provide food, shelter and resting areas for a variety of birds.Great River National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of six divisions:Delair Division - 1,710 acres in Pike County, ILCherry Box Division - 298 acres in Shelby County, MOFox Island Division - 2,009 acres in Clark County, MOCanton Division - 43 acres in Lewis County, MO)Long Island Division - 6,604 acres in Adams County, ILSlim & Haps Island Division - 728 acres in Pike County, MOThe refuge is managed from Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge located in Annada, MO.
How to Get There
The headquarters for the Great River Refuge is located on the Clarence Cannon Refuge. From St. Louis, take I-70 west and take exit Highway 79 north. Take 79 north approximately 35 miles to the town of Annada. Turn right on County Road 206 and proceed one mile to the refuge office.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Great River National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Great River 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 Great River National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Great River National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4049) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Great River National Wildlife Refuge?
The headquarters for the Great River Refuge is located on the Clarence Cannon Refuge. From St. Louis, take I-70 west and take exit Highway 79 north. Take 79 north approximately 35 miles to the town of Annada. Turn right on County Road 206 and proceed one mile to the refuge office.
How do I contact Great River National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 573-847-2333 or email: greatriver@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
