Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

About Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Our namesake comes from the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, a powerful and enduring alliance that has thrived in the northeast for centuries. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is composed of six nations: the Cayuga, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, and Tuscarora. These nations have a rich history, vibrant traditions, and a profound connection to the land, which is reflected in the names of many of our nature trails and overlooks.It is important to recognize that the culture of the Haudenosaunee people remains strong, their communities resilient, and their voices vital in preserving both their heritage and the environment we all share. We encourage visitors to take the time to learn about the Haudenosaunee’s deep cultural traditions, their contributions to the stewardship of the natural world, and their ongoing legacy. Exploring their history and culture not only honors their past but also helps us appreciate the enduring connection between people and the land.At the end of the last glacial period, much of Western New York was covered by Lake Tonawanda. Over time, the lake repeatedly drained and filled, leaving behind swampy areas that became rich habitats for wildlife.Centuries later, the Seneca people began modifying the land, draining swamps and clearing forests for farming. By the early 19th century, European settlers arrived and named the area “Oak Orchard Swamp,” inspired by clusters of oak trees that reminded them of orchards. Settlers further expanded drainage to support logging and farming, but the efforts were costly and often resulted in cycles of muck fires and floods.By the 1950s, landowners sought to convert the wetlands for development, threatening the loss of these vital habitats. In response, on May 19, 1958, the federal government established the Oak Orchard National Wildlife Refuge using funds from Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, or "Duck Stamps." To avoid confusion with the nearby Oak Orchard State Wildlife Management Area, the

How to Get There

From the New York State Thruway (I-90) take exit 48-A (Pembroke/Medina). Go north on Route 77 for approximately eight miles. At the four-way stop light in the town of Alabama, continue straight for one more mile to Casey Road. Turn left on Casey Road. The Visitor Center and administration office are one mile west. When using a GPS unit or Google Maps Navigation app to guide you to the Visitor Center please ensure you are being directed to the Iroquois Refuge Admin Building. Ensure the pin is actually on Casey Road and not in the middle of the Refuge or some other road. See our interactive map to find the best route to the Refuge for you.

Plan Your Visit to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Iroquois 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

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)