Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis of upland forest, bottomland forest, wetlands, and praries located on the banks of the Illinois River roughly 50 miles from the State Capitol.

Wildlife: Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including meadowlarks, wild turkeys, deer, and squirrels. Please treat their home with respect.

Refuge History: The land that is now Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge was once the property of the Chicago Meredosia Gun Club which constructed levees, ditches, and water control structures in order to help maintain the seasonal wetlands. A member of the club named James Anderson ended up purchasing the land and said that when he passed away he wished for the land to be donated to a conservation agency. In 1972, the land was donated to the Nature Conservancy and the following year it was donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Over the years additional tracts have been acquired.

For the lover of the outdoors Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge boasts a short hiking trail and so much more. Come on out and explore.