Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Wildlife Management Area Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Arkansas, not Iowa.
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Summary
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,000-acre protected area in the White River floodplain in Arkansas. It was established in 1993 to conserve the natural habitat of migratory birds and other wildlife.
One of the main reasons to visit Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge is to witness the wintering waterfowl, including tens of thousands of ducks and geese that migrate to the area each year. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Some specific points of interest to see include the observation deck at the Big Slash, which provides a panoramic view of the refuge, as well as the boardwalks at Bald Knob Lake and Mallard Pond.
Interesting facts about the area include that it is home to over 250 bird species, including endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and the bald eagle. It is also the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwood forest in Arkansas.
The best time of year to visit Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, particularly in January and February, when the waterfowl population is at its peak. However, the refuge is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different seasonal activities throughout the year.
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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
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Wildlife Management Area
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area
Natural Area Holloway Memorial
Holloway Memorial State Park
Friendly Acres Park