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Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge: A Wetland Reborn

Discover a revitalized wetland ecosystem at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for wildlife and a testament to conservation efforts in Illinois.

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Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, located near Havana, Illinois, is a restored wetland at the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon Rivers. Once farmland, it has been transformed back into a thriving ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and offers recreational activities.

A brief summary to Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for picturesque views and active wildlife sightings.
  • Check the refuge's website for seasonal closures and hunting regulations before your visit.
  • Bring sunscreen and walking footwear, as there are limited facilities on-site.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Dickson Mounds Museum to learn about the area's rich history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge is located near Havana, Illinois. From Lewistown, follow Route 24 east to the Route 78/97 intersection, then travel one mile south on Route 78/97. From Havana, follow Route 136W over the Illinois River Bridge, then turn north onto Route 78/97. There are multiple parking lots available. Parking is allowed only in designated areas. Note that the staging of vehicles in parking lots or entrance roads prior to one hour before legal shooting time will NOT be allowed. There are no fees for accessing the refuge.

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Discover more about Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, a 11,122-acre (45.01 km2) wetland, is located in Fulton County, Illinois, near the town of Havana. The refuge is part of the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex, which stretches along 124 miles of the Illinois River. Emiquon was established in 1993 to restore and protect wetland habitats. Historically, the area was composed of Flag Lake and Thompson Lake, shallow alluvial lakes formed by the Illinois River. These lakes and surrounding bottomlands created a productive ecosystem that sustained a variety of fish and wildlife. The area also has a rich human history, with evidence of human cultures dating back over 12,000 years. The wetlands were home to many Native American tribes for thousands of years. However, by the late 20th century, the area had been significantly altered by agriculture. Most of what is now the Emiquon refuge was previously farmland used to grow crops like corn and soybeans. Beginning in the 1960s, efforts were made to restore parts of the riverbed and former wetlands. The Nature Conservancy acquired a 7,100-acre property in 2000 and began an intensive restoration project. By 2008, volunteers had replanted 300,000 wetland trees and 8,000 pounds of grassland seed. Drainage pumps were turned off, and Thompson Lake began to refill. Today, Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to experience a unique ecological and cultural landscape. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and environmental education. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.

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