Arkabutla State Waterfowl Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Arkabutla State Waterfowl Refuge is located in the state of Mississippi, not Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This refuge offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the natural beauty and diversity of waterfowl. The refuge spans over 18,000 acres, including over 11,000 acres of wetlands that attract a variety of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
Visitors can engage in a range of activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. One of the top points of interest is the observation tower, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding wetlands and wildlife. Other popular spots include the boat launch, fishing piers, and various hiking trails.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a man-made reservoir, created by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1940s to provide flood control and water supply for the region. The refuge was established in 1985 to conserve and enhance the habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
The best time of year to visit Arkabutla State Waterfowl Refuge depends on the activities and interests of the visitor. Hunting season typically runs from September to February, while peak waterfowl migration occurs in November and December. Spring and summer are great for fishing and wildlife observation, as well as hiking and enjoying the natural scenery.
Overall, Arkabutla State Waterfowl Refuge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Mississippi's wetlands.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Pleasant Hill Recreation Area
Hernando Point Recreation Area
Wooten Memorial Park
Churchwood Park