Background

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge: A Delta Oasis

Discover a wildlife oasis in the Arkansas Delta: birdwatching, hiking, and natural beauty at Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge.

4.4

Escape to Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,484-acre haven for migratory birds and wildlife in the Arkansas Delta. Explore diverse habitats, from bottomland hardwood forests to cypress swamps, and witness the beauty of the Mississippi Flyway.

A brief summary to Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations.
  • Check the refuge's website for seasonal closures and hunting season dates.
  • Drive the seven-mile auto tour route for a comprehensive overview of the refuge's diverse habitats.
  • Visit the observation platform on the east side of Wapanocca Lake for panoramic views and wildlife sightings.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Memphis, TN, take I-55 north to Exit 21 (AR-42). Travel east 1.5 miles on AR-42, cross AR-77, go under the railroad overpass, and turn right at the top of the hill to enter the refuge. Parking is available at the visitor center and along the auto tour route. Limited parking may be available during peak seasons or special events.

  • Walking

    Once at the refuge visitor center, walking is a great way to experience the trails and observation points. The area around the visitor center is easily walkable. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the trails.

Unlock the Best of Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1961, offers a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, and 4 miles west of the Mississippi River, the refuge spans 5,484 acres. Originally the site of the Wapanocca Outing Club, a prestigious hunting club founded in 1886, the area was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve critical habitat amidst increasing agricultural development. The refuge's diverse landscape includes a 600-acre oxbow lake (Wapanocca Lake), bottomland hardwood forests, reforested uplands, cypress swamps, and agricultural lands. This variety supports over 260 species of birds, 22 species of mammals, and numerous fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Wapanocca NWR is a prime location for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall warbler migrations. The refuge lies within the Mississippi Flyway, making it a crucial stopover for waterfowl and neotropical songbirds. Visitors can observe bald eagles, great blue herons, great egrets, and anhingas nesting on the refuge. The seven-mile auto tour route provides excellent wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities, with an observation platform located on the east side of Wapanocca Lake. Fishing and hunting are also permitted in designated areas during specific seasons. The refuge's management focuses on providing high-quality habitat for wintering waterfowl and breeding forest birds. Water levels in impoundments are seasonally manipulated to benefit waterbirds and shorebirds.

Popular Experiences near Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Popular Hotels near Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Select Currency