About Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The purposes of the refuge are:To act as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlifeFor use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birdsTo carry out the national migratory bird management program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began purchasing the 10,795 acres in 1937. Following purchase of the land, the Civilian Conservation Corps began work on the refuge, creating wetlands, constructing roads and buildings, and initiating the refuge farming program.Since establishment of the refuge, the primary management emphasis has been on ducks and the eastern prairie population of Canada geese. Canada geese were first observed on the refuge in the early 1940s, and numbers increased gradually to peak populations of 150,000 to 200,000 annually during the early 1970s. Today, Canada geese are commonly seen on the refuge, but not in the large concentrations that they were in years past. Currently, the refuge is managed for migratory birds including waterfowl, geese and shorebirds. It also provides natural habitat for many neo-tropical migrating species of birds. Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is designated as an Important Birding Area for Missouri.
How to Get There
To reach Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge:Take Highway 65 South to Highway H East. Turn east on Highway 139 to Highway RA south, which enters the main gate of the refuge.Take Highway 36 West to SH 139 South, then to Highway RA, which enters the main gate of the refuge. Take Highway 24 East to Highway 11 North. Then turn north on Highway CC, which enters the east gate of the refuge approximately two miles north of Mendon, Missouri.Take Highway 11 North to Highway CC North, which enters the east gate of the refuge approximately two miles north of Mendon, Missouri.The temporary visitor contact station is located in the office trailer, which is near the maintenance shop. From the main gate, travel about one mile south on Swan Lake Avenue to reach the office trailer. A new visitor contact station, scheduled to open in 2024, is planned and will be located near the main entrance gate.The headquarters area of the refuge is located near the visitor contact station, about one mile down Swan Lake Avenue from the main gate.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Swan Lake 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 Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1629) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
To reach Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge:Take Highway 65 South to Highway H East. Turn east on Highway 139 to Highway RA south, which enters the main gate of the refuge.Take Highway 36 West to SH 139 South, then to Highway RA, which enters the main gate of the refuge. Take Highway 24 East to Highway 11 North. Then turn north on Highway CC, which enters the east gate of the refuge approximately …
How do I contact Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 660-856-3323 or email: swanlake@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
