Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Alabama, not Wisconsin.


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Summary

It is a protected area of coastal dunes, marshes, and beaches that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea turtles, migratory birds, and endangered species like the Alabama beach mouse.

Some good reasons to visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include the opportunity to see rare and exotic wildlife, hike through beautiful natural landscapes, and learn about the history and ecology of the Gulf Coast region.

Specific points of interest within the refuge include the Jeff Friend Trail, which offers a scenic and informative walk through the dunes and marshes, and the Fort Morgan State Historic Site, which dates back to the Civil War era and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once a site of intense conflict during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces vying for control of the strategic Gulf Coast location.

The best time of year to visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge depends on the activities you wish to pursue. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching and hiking, while summer is ideal for beach activities and water sports. Winter is a quieter time of year, but can still offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

       

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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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