Oquawka State Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oquawka State Wildlife Refuge is located in Henderson County, Illinois, and covers an area of over 1,000 acres.


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Summary

The refuge offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Illinois and observe a wide range of wildlife. The best time to visit the refuge is during the fall and winter months when migratory bird species make their way to the area.

Some of the main points of interest to see at the Oquawka State Wildlife Refuge include the extensive wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and other aquatic creatures. Visitors can also explore the various hiking trails and observe the wildlife that inhabits the area, including deer, foxes, and other mammals.

One interesting fact about the Oquawka State Wildlife Refuge is that it is home to one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the state of Illinois. Visitors can often observe these majestic birds soaring overhead or perched in trees near the river.

Overall, the Oquawka State Wildlife Refuge is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Illinois and observe a wide variety of wildlife. Whether you are a birdwatcher, hiker, or simply enjoy spending time in nature, this refuge offers something for everyone.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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