About Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 to protect and enhance habitat for migratory birds. Located between the Mississippi River and Illinois River, the refuge encompasses 9,225 acres of floodplain habitat scattered around the confluence of the rivers. The mosaic of wetlands, open water, bottomland forests, and prairies provide habitat for numerous mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and nearly three hundred bird species. The Duncan Farm area of the Gilbert Lake Division is known for an American Indian mound, identified as an important cultural resource, and a population of decurrent false aster, a Federally threatened plant species. Two Rivers is recognized as an urban refuge due to our proximity to St. Louis. The Refuge hosts and participates in a suite of environmental education opportunities to people of all ages.
How to Get There
The refuge headquarters, including the visitor center, is located at the Calhoun Division, four miles east of Brussels, Illinois. It can be reached in either of the following ways: FROM ILLINOIS: Travel 14 miles west of Alton, Illinois, on the Great River Road (Hwy 100) to the Brussels Ferry. Cross the Illinois River and proceed another 4.5 miles to the refuge entrance. FROM MISSOURI: The refuge is located north of St. Charles County, Missouri. From Highway 370, take the Elm Street exit north 0.5 mile. Turn left onto Fountain Lakes Boulevard and go 0.65 miles to Huster Road. Turn right onto Huster Road and go two miles to Highway B. After turning left onto Highway B, drive two miles and turn right onto Golden Eagle Ferry Road. Drive one mile and use the Golden Eagle Ferry to cross the Mississippi River into Illinois. The Golden Eagle Ferry charges $5.00 per car each way. After leaving the ferry, travel two miles on Ferry Road to the intersection with Mississippi River Road, then turn right. This road meanders through rolling hills for 3.4 miles to the intersection with Illinois River Road. Turn right onto Illinois River Road, travel two miles, and turn left onto Hagen Road. Travel one mile on Hagen Road to the refuge entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Two Rivers 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 Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4056) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge headquarters, including the visitor center, is located at the Calhoun Division, four miles east of Brussels, Illinois. It can be reached in either of the following ways: FROM ILLINOIS: Travel 14 miles west of Alton, Illinois, on the Great River Road (Hwy 100) to the Brussels Ferry. Cross the Illinois River and proceed another 4.5 miles to the refuge entrance. FROM MISSOURI: The refuge i…
How do I contact Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 618-883-2524 or email: tworivers@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
