- Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
-
![]()
Things to Do
-
![]()
Places to Go
-
![]()
Places to Stay
-
![]()
Explore Our Past
-
![]()
Trip Ideas
Trip Ideas
- Eco-Friendly Hotels and Green Getaways in Illinois
- College Football in Illinois
- Journey Along the Lincoln Highway
- Illinois Shopping
- Route 66
- IL ♥ LGBTQ
- Golf Illinois
- Chicago Neighborhoods
- Family Fun in Illinois
- Everybody Outside!
- Bike Illinois
- Outdoor Adventures in Illinois
- Chicago to Alton
- Chicago to Carbondale
- Illinois Scenic Byways
- Chicago to Quincy
- Fall Road Trips in Illinois
- Fall Colors on the Great River Road
-
![]()
Events
Events
Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more.
-
![]()
Road Trip
Stories & Highlights
-
![]()
Seasonal Adventures
-
![]()
Maps & Visitor Guides
-
![]()
Getting Here & Getting Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
-
![]()
My Favorites
-
![]()
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
-
Things to Do
Places to Go
Places to Stay
Explore Our Past
Trip Ideas
Events
Road Trip
Seasonal Adventures
Maps & Visitor Guides
Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesInformation
Outdoor adventure awaits at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about the natural beauty of Southern Illinois at the visitor center, then see the wildlife on the nature trails or catch a fish at the lake or one of the many ponds.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located primarily in Williamson County, with small extensions into eastern Jackson and northeastern Union counties of southern Illinois. At almost 44,000 acres and with three lakes (Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen,) endless opportunities abound for watching wildlife, hiking nature trails, photography, swimming, fishing from the bank or by boat, and hunting. Four seasonally operational campgrounds are open from April-October and offer full hook-up, water, electric, or non-electric sites. Refuge staff and volunteers at the visitor center welcome visitors and sightseers 7 days a week from 8am-4:30pm. Visitor activities such as guided hikes, bald eagle tours, and monthly F.U.N. programs help connect families with the diversity of flora and fauna that Southern Illinois has to offer. The Refuge provides many opportunities for wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation for the nature lover in us all.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge's acres of land and water contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Major habitat types on the refuge include hardwood forest, agricultural land, grazing units, brushland, wetlands, and lakes. The refuge provides significant resting areas for migratory birds utilizing the Mississippi Flyway. Wintering numbers of Canada Geese can peak at 200,000. A total of 700 plant species, 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species have been documented on the refuge.
The western 24,000 acres of the refuge provide a wide range of recreational opportunities and also includes 4,050-acre wilderness area. The eastern portion, 20,000 acres, is a wildlife sanctuary.
Contact Details
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Hours
| Monday | 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00AM – 4:30AM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
| Sunday | 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
-
Address:
8588 Route 148 South
Marion IL 62959 - Phone: (618) 997-3344
- Website: Visit Website
Images
What's Happening Near Marion
Mixtape at Pyramid Acres Marina
Back by popular demand, come Rock the Dock with us and this fun group! Break out your favorite 80s a...
Read MoreHighbanks Hustle
One of the most sought after races of the year with huge payout and great family friendly atmosphere...
Read MorePBR Bulls in the Ballpark at Mountain Dew Park
The bulls are in the ballpark on June 17, 2023. Enjoy the PBR at Mountain Dew Park for Bull Riding, ...
Read MoreNitty Gritty Dirt Band at Marion Cultural and Civic Center
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will play at Marion Cultural and Civic Center on June 29th at 7pm.The Nit...
Read MoreJohn Schneider at Marion Cultural and Civic Center
John Schneider will play at Marion Cultural and Civic Center on July 1st, 2023 in Marion, IL.
Read MorePinto 8U International Baseball Classic
Now in its seventh year, PONY's Pinto International Baseball Classic is the premiere event for 8U ba...
Read MoreCollective Soul at Marion Cultural and Civic Center
Collective Soul, an American rock band, released their Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid al...
Read MoreCroce Plays Croce at Marion Cultural and Civic Center
A.J. Croce has been a staple of the Americana, AAA, Blues, Top 40 and other charts throughout his ow...
Read MoreLocation
Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine.
Get Your Copy Now!
