Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis of farmland, wetlands, lakes, and hardwood forests near Marion, Illinois along the Mississippi Flyway.

Refuge History: Archeologists know relatively little about the earliest human inhabitants of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge but it is believed that the region may have been occupied by the Shawnee and Kaskaskia tribes. In the 1930's and 1940's agricultural activities and timber harvests were taking their toll on the wildlife habitat in the region. The Government started the Crab Orchard Creek Project with plans to establish three lakes for recreational and industrial use. After World War II ended the land was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established in August 1947.

Wildlife: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including deer, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, meadowlarks, hawks, and owls. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge boasts lakes stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish, numerous wildlife viewing opportunities, and so much more. Come on out and explore.