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Visit Us
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Many national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries offer a range of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors — tourists and locals alike.​
Plan Your Visit
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Best Time to Visit
Our sites span all 50 states and five territories. Some places offer things to see and do year-round. Others are season-specific.
Time of year
often will influence what you can see or do. Dawn and dusk generally are the best times of day to see wildlife.​
Events
Wildlife refuges
and
fish hatcheries
host numerous conservation-oriented programs,
festivals
and
events
throughout the year.
Fees
Most places are free. A handful charge a nominal entrance fee. Sometimes fees or permits are required for specific activities such as
hunting
camping
or
fishing
Recreate Responsibly
To help ensure that wildlife and people thrive, please
recreate responsibly
Find Public Lands Near You
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Ideas for Visitors
Fishing Through the Seasons at Fish Hatcheries
Check out these national fish hatcheries that provide fishing access and are welcoming hotspots for anglers throughout the seasons
How to Enjoy a Wildlife Refuge
National wildlife refuges are great places to reconnect with the natural world and spot wildlife in their natural habitats
Fall Wonders
Fall is a season of change on national wildlife refuges
Visit a National Wildlife Refuge
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Protected Lands and Waters
The Refuge System administers lands and waters across the U.S. and territories, including:
more than 570 National Wildlife Refuges
38 Wetland Management Districts
5 Marine National Monuments
63 Refuges with Wilderness Areas
The Purpose of Refuges
Each refuge is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its land and waters.
Things to Do and See
Where consistent with their primary purpose, refuges also offer activities for people, such as:
Hunting and fishing
Birdwatching and wildlife photography
Hiking and canoeing
Scientific research
Find A Refuge
More about Wildlife Refuges
Outdoor Recreation Activities
Whether you are a novice or an expert, wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries offer many ways to connect with nature. Click on these icons to learn more.​
Hunting
Fishing
Wildlife watching
Photography
Education programs
Ranger-led programs
More Recreational Activities
Visit a National Fish Hatchery
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National Fish Hatcheries and You
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature, or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community, fish, and wildlife by doing what you love.
The Purpose of Hatcheries
Seventy fish hatcheries across the nation work with states and Tribes to produce and distribute fish for recreational and conservation purposes and provide refuge for endangered species. The hatcheries also provide outdoor opportunities from fishing events and tours to numerous education activities.
Things to Do and See
Nearly one million people visit the National Fish Hatchery System every year for incredible opportunities to hike, bird, fish, visit an aquarium, and learn more about fish conservation.
Take part in a fishing derby
See a freshwater fish aquarium
Explore a nature trail
Find A Hatchery
More about Fish Hatcheries
Upcoming Events
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View the upcoming events at our national wildlife refuge and national fish hatchery facilities.
Apr
23
2026
Presentation
Audobon Speaker Series at the Bloomington Visitor Center
Join us for an informative presentation coordinated by the Minnesota Valley River Audobon Chapter. Participants can expect a well known presenter to give a lecture on their area of expertise. This series is intended for anyone interested in learning more about conversation topics. More...
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington Visitor Center
Apr
23
2026
Night Sky Program
Celebrate Earth Day with us by experiencing the refuge after dark!
Join Jacob, Abigail, and Grant from the University of Toledo Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory for a Night Sky Program on Thursday, April 23rd from 9:30pm to 10:30pm at the refuge. During the program, which will take place...
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Ottawa Visitor Center
Apr
24
2026
Outdoor Activity
Friday Bird Walk
Join us for the guided Friday Bird Walk. Walks are led by Edwin B. Forsythe Volunteers every week on Fridays from September through June and last approximately 2 hours. All birding levels welcome! Bring water & bug spray. Weather permitting, and all updates and cancellations will be posted...
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge Headquarters
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Ways to Get Involved
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Whether as a visitor to a refuge, a volunteer, a coworker, a formal partner, or more, there's plenty of ways we can work together to conserve and protect our natural resources. Here's just a few...
Learning Opportunities
We offer many types of learning opportunities including formal and informal training. Some of the education we offer includes job training, career enhancement training, education for environmental or technical professionals, and students.
Youth Programs
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) enjoys a proud history working with a range of youth organizations to help young people develop academic, leadership, and citizenship skills.
Partnerships
The Fish and Wildlife Service enters into agreements with a wide range of organizations at the national, regional and local levels.
Volunteering Opportunities
We have lots of ways to help out, for the short term or long, on the ground or in the office. We truly value our volunteer colleagues.
Get Involved