Home Sitemap Site Index About Us Back To Wildlife Refuge
|
|
Home Sitemap Site Index About Us Back To Wildlife Refuge |
 The Refuge consists of 7,724 acres of southern Indiana marshland, meadows, fields and forest. It is a beautiful facility, with easy public access to most areas and handicap access to several places. A four mile long Auto Tour allows people of all ages and physical condition to enjoy Muscatatuck from your vehicle. Several lakes, a wildlife viewing platform, and open fields where white tailed deer may be seen are featured along this wonderful road. The marshy lakes are usually teeming with many different types of waterfowl. A short hike down an easily walked country road allows access to Mutton Creek where river otter may possibly be seen. The Muscatatuck River forms the southern boundary of the Refuge. The eastern boundary of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is formed by Priscilla Lake Road, the north by US 50. US 31 bounds the western part. There are six large lake and several small ones. Fishing is allowed in some of the lakes, and hunting is permitted in designated areas of the Refuge. There are eight hiking trails here totaling approximately eight miles, more or less. Additional hiking is available by walking the numerous access roads which border the wetlands areas. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is managed primarily for waterfowl, but wildlife of all sorts abounds here. White-tailed deer, fox, river otter, muskrat and many other animals are commonly seen here. Birds are the main feature, with around 280 species having been seen here, from the tiny titmouse to the huge cormorant, great blue heron and bald eagle. The visitor center has a glass enclosed viewing area which overlooks a series of well stocked bird feeders which attract many species of birds as well as squirrels and chipmunks. The visitor center at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge also has one of the finest bookstores you will find, with hundreds of books about wildlife of all kinds. There are also books on hiking, driving and wildlife crafts. The Refuge is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week, year round. Every season has its draws. In winter ducks over winter, feeding on the vegetation. In spring, migrating waterfowl can be found here in droves. Summer waterfowl broods of young are raised by their parents and swim the myriad channels of the marshes in great numbers. In autumn, the cypress trees turn a lovely shade of golden brown, accompanied by the brilliant fall foliage of the surrounding hardwood forest. Ospreys and cormorants can be found here as well as sand hill cranes as they fly over on their journey south. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Area truly a gem to be enjoyed at leisure. Whether hiking its various easy trails or access roads, driving along the wildlife studded roads, or picnicking, a day at this spot in southern Indiana is sure to be remembered. |
East/West River Trail Richart Lake Trail Turkey Trail Access Road Hiking |
