Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tours Open

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge is pleased to announce the auto tour route will be open from FRIDAY, May 3rd through Sunday, May 12th, 2024 in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Visitors are welcome to drive the tour route from sunrise to sunset during those dates. The auto tour route begins at the refuge headquarters and takes visitors along a four and one-half mile drive of wetland, open water, and prairie habitat. Toward the beginning of the tour route, there is an observation platform with two spotting scopes overlooking a large portion of the refuge. A variety of wildlife including trumpeter swans, bald eagles, great blue herons, ducks, geese, shorebirds, pelicans, songbirds, muskrats, white-tailed deer and river otters may be seen on the Refuge. In addition, Sandhill cranes have been commonly heard and seen along the tour route this spring. Remember that wildlife viewing opportunities are generally best in early morning and early evening as that’s when wildlife is most active.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to come inside the headquarters building and check out our interpretive displays! Indoor exhibits are open to the public Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Union Slough NWR is located 6 miles east of Bancroft on County Road A-42. For further information, please call (515) 928-2523.

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov.