Patoka River Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy some amazing bird watching opportunities at this beautiful wildlife refuge.

As you drive south from Indianapolis, the Patoka River Wildlife Refuge is located just east off of Interstate 69. It will take a little over 2 hours to drive here from the Indianapolis airport so if you’re planning a road trip in Indiana this is a great place to stretch your legs a bit and commune with nature. All year long, this place has such a variety of birds and other wildlife species, and it is open from sunrise to sunset. There are parts of the refuge that have seasonal flooding where you will find plenty of marshlands for shorebirds like blue herons and egrets. The spring migration is definitely one of the best seasons to go birding here. With over 25,000 acres of land, there is much to explore at the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. This nature refuge is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Bring some binoculars with you to get an up-close look at some of the unique bird species as you explore the trails.

Other animals you might come across at the refuge include otters, beavers, foxes, white-tailed deer, rabbits, and many others. No paid admission is required to enter this refuge and hunting is also allowed with the appropriate licenses. There are miles of trails to walk on but the most well-maintained trails are the Boyd and Maxey trails which are closest to Oakland City. Connect with nature and come marvel at the plentiful bird species that flock to Patoka River Wildlife Refuge each year!