crab orchard national wildlife refuge

nice visitor center and lots of wildlife to see. from water birds to deer. I will be back in the spring to do some hiking.

The ranger at the visitors center was very nice and friendly, the annual vehicle pass is about $15 and is needed to stop anywhere but the visitors center. But it's quite worth it for all the beautiful areas to stop and see wildlife

The visitor center was awesome, and the staff was super friendly. It is always fun to visit national wildlife refuges and learn about their history.

A person can fish at Crab Orchard, drive and look and scenery, and even hunt during season. The eagles are a fascinating treat. My husband and I go scout for eagles on a regular basis. Another thrill is to see the turkeys in the fields and to count how many deer we can see in one evening.

Have been coming here and taking the Wildlife Drive around the refuge for many years. Great opportunity to see birds and mammals in natural settings. Endless photo possibilities! There is a fee for driving the route, $5 for a week pass or $2 a day, there are also other options which you can inquire about at the Visitor Center. There are hiking trails, we usually take the one near the Visitor Center that leads to a section of the lake. Dawn and dusk are the best times to view wildlife but we have been out there in the middle of the day and still see wildlife. This time we watched a raccoon crawl into a dumpster at one of the businesses on the refuge and then watched 4 or 5 baby raccoons scamper away into a ditch. Our visit was in late June and there were still fawns, the baby raccoons, baby beavers and turkey poults. Thanks to someone else that was out driving the loop, we now know where there is an eagle nest that we can check out if we are there at different times of the year. The day we were there it had rained and 2 fledgling eagles were sitting and drying out on an old dead tree.

Great fun, from the Eagle watching to the Monarch butterfly tagging. The Observation areas are good stops on the tour you can drive on around the refuge. Inexpensive family fun.

This is a fun lake to go fishing. The channel cat are great eating but you have to work for them. We did not have a boat but did ok from the bank. Next time will get a boat at the marina

We sat on a bench watching the sunset over this lake. It was very peaceful. The colors of the sun setting over the water were breathtaking. Very nice place to spend an hour.

Second visit in four months. Staff informative, some directions a bit iffy, but that may have been my listing ability. Great hiking, beautiful flowers. Geologically interesting. Driving tour good. Will stop if in area again....Remember bug spray, a tick decided I made a good food supply.

grab your camera and hiking shoes to enjoy this local treasure. Whether you're fishing or hiking, or just driving around, you will find some of the prettiest scenery in the area around this lake

My family likes outdoor activities. This is one of the places we go, to explore the outdoors, we get to see nature, animals in their own habitat. This is a great place to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature

The Refuge is a lovely part of Southern Illinois. Keep in mind that you are not able to access all areas. There are seasons in which access is allowed, but otherwise it requires a sticker (price). Check out the visitor center for more information. We actually got one a few years ago, but have not since that time. Geese are spotted from observation decks, as well as the lovely deer. Just another glimpse of Southern Illinois.

I enjoy the visitor center, not huge or elaborate, but interesting. Pretty wildlife viewing. There is an elevated platform about a mile south of the visitor center on Hiway 148. convenient parking, Handicap accessible, looks out over a wetland field that attracts geese at the winter season. A free telescope viewer is there at wheelchair height, but I recommend bring your own binoculars. Other that these 2 areas, it is my understanding you need to pay a day use fee at the visitor center to go to other areas. Don't get caught otherwise,or I have been told there is a fine for not having that fee. It is nominal, but I was unaware of this myself till someone told me so.

Lots to see and do. we love to fish and camp on Crab. Great Lake. We camp at Blue Heron Campground in Carterville, right on Crab Orchard Lake. Places to eat and shop close by. Pizza can be delivered to campground. We camp there 6-8 times a year, several days at a time. It is my husbands favorite place to Bass Fish.

Several hiking trails - some with great lake views. Being there in the fall with the tree colors and cool temperatures is very enjoyable - even better if you are a birdwatcher - or a fisherman.Visit the Visitor Center on Hway 148 - nice introduction to the wildlife area.