Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Unfortunately, there seems to be a mistake in the prompt as Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge is located in Tennessee, not Wisconsin.
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Summary
Therefore, a summary about this refuge is provided below:
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,800-acre wildlife refuge located in the northwest corner of Tennessee. It was established in 1985 to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife species. The refuge includes Lake Isom, which is a shallow lake that provides important feeding and resting areas for waterfowl.
One of the best reasons to visit Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge is to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Visitors can see a variety of waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans, as well as other bird species like bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys. The refuge is also home to several mammal species like white-tailed deer, beavers, and river otters.
Some points of interest to see at Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge include the observation deck overlooking the lake, the walking trails that allow visitors to explore the refuge, and the seasonal hunting opportunities for waterfowl and deer.
Interesting facts about Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge include that it is situated on a major migratory bird route and serves as an important stopover for many species of waterfowl. The refuge also contains several different types of wetland habitats, including emergent marsh, cypress-tupelo swamp, and bottomland hardwood forest.
The best time of year to visit Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge depends on what activities and wildlife visitors are hoping to see. Spring and fall are the best times for birdwatching as many species of waterfowl migrate through the area. The winter months offer good opportunities for viewing ducks and geese in the lake. Hunting season for waterfowl runs from November to January, while deer season is in late fall.
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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
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Reelfoot Lake State Park
Reelfoot Wildlife Area