Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Hornady Park Lynnwood Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Indiana and is a protected area for wildlife and natural resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The refuge offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
One of the main attractions at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is the diverse range of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. The refuge is home to over 200 species of birds, as well as mammals such as river otters, white-tailed deer, and gray foxes.
Visitors can also explore the different habitats within the refuge, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The refuge's trails offer scenic views of the Patoka River and its surrounding landscape.
One of the most notable features of Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is the reintroduction of the endangered Indiana bat. Visitors can learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this species and its habitat.
The best time of year to visit Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge depends on the activities that visitors are interested in. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching, while summer offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Hunting is allowed during the fall season.
Overall, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is a great destination for nature lovers and those interested in learning about wildlife conservation.
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pike State Forest
|
||
Prides Creek Co Park
|
||
Lynnville Park
|