Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at this vast refuge near the Tennessee River.

The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is located in Decatur, Alabama. Guests should begin at the visitor center to watch an orientation film, go to the wildlife observation building, see nature exhibits, and walk along the short nature trails. The refuge encompasses 35,000 acres of land and is home to thousands of fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Several habitats can be seen here, too, including wetlands, woodlands, and bottomland hardwoods. Expect to see lots of geese and ducks in the winter and migrant songbirds such as warblers in the spring and summer months.

The visitor center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm November through February and Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Please note that the gates close promptly; you will have to leave the parking lot a little before closing time. Fishing and hunting are allowed in the refuge for people with proper permits and licenses. Managed hunts provide opportunities to catch rabbits, quail, squirrels, raccoons, and deer. Bicycles and horses are allowed on gravel roads only, but pedestrians can roam on the paved or gravel roads at the refuge.