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Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge
Monroe, Randolph, and Jackson Counties (IL) and Jefferson County (MO) | 1,224 acres (Rockwood Island only)
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Our Role: Because the Mississippi River and lands along it are so critical for wildlife and communities, we worked with partners of the Middle Mississippi River Parternship to acquire 1,000 acres on Rockwood Island in Illinois. This property was then transferred to the US Fish & Wildlife Service for inclusion in the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
Hours: Open Sunrise to Sunset unless otherwise posted
Location & Directions
All seven divisions of the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge are frequently flooded affording big river fishes access to the Missouri and Illinois floodplain. It is important to check the Mississippi River stage at the Chester, Illinois gauge before heading to the refuge as most of our divisions become inaccessible by land beginning at a river stage of 25 feet. Visit or call the refuge to get current conditions.
Trails & Facilities
There are currently no trails on Rockwood Island or the other wildlife refuge divisions. However there are trails nearby at Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve.
Visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s website for more information on facilities at this location.
Wildlife & Habitat
The Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge lands are uniquely situated in the Mississippi River near Chester, Illinois.
The Refuge protects river floodplain habitats, which are important resting and feeding areas for many migratory birds. As a result, the refuge offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations.
Depending on the season, you may be able to see a variety of birds, such as snowy owls, plovers, bald eagles, and pelicans. Prothonotary Warblers arrive to the riverfront forests in the early spring.
Mammals such as deer, squirrels, and raccoons are prominently found in the refuge. Sometimes a black bear passes through on its way to habitat in Missouri or Kentucky.
Regulations
The refuge is open for public use from sunrise to sunset. Refuge hunting and fishing regulations generally follow Missouri and Illinois state seasons and regulations.
General public use Rules and Regulations are found here.
Overview
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge (Rockwood Island)
The refuge and Rockwood Island are located along the “un-pooled” section of the Mississippi. This location provides important habitat for migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.
Once prominent in the floodplain forests along the Mississippi River and other rivers in Illinois, Prothonotary Warblers have been declining at a rate of nearly 1% per year. The prothonotary warbler relies on wooded swamps and bottomland hardwood forests for nesting. Over time, these critical wetland habitats have been lost to deforestation, agriculture, and urban development. The widespread clearcutting of their breeding forests destroyed their habitats, causing their decline. Protected and restored floodplain forests are helping to restore the habitat they need to thrive.
By conserving this rare and ecologically rich landscape, we’re not only protecting habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can connect with the Mississippi River and the wildlife it sustains.
If you would like to find out more about how to create a new public conservation area and conserve wildlife habitat, feel free to call Anna McAtee at (618) 566-4451 ex 23 or email her at an*********@*******************cy.org.
You may find information on our Land Conservation page and Ways to Give page helpful, too.