USA TODAY 10Best
Untamed America: 10 best national wildlife refuges to visit
Best National Wildlife Refuge (2024)
The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge system protects some 150 million acres of land and water habitat from coast to coast, with at least one refuge in every state. The 570 refuges in the system, as well as another 38 wetland management districts, protect more than 220 species of mammal, 700 species of birds, over 1,000 species of fish, and 250 reptile and amphibian species. And 380 endangered or threatened plants and animals find sanctuary in these special places.
To find the best places to spot wildlife within the system, we asked an expert panel to nominate their top protected areas, and then our readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best national wildlife refuges in the United States.
- Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge - Lottie, Louisiana
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Rodanthe, North Carolina
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Commerce City, Colorado
- Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge - Madison, Indiana
- Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge - Kilauea, Hawaii
- Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Loleta, California
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - San Antonio, New Mexico
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Sanibel, Florida
- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Decatur, Alabama
- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge - Prairie City, Iowa
Photo courtesy of Marcus Evans / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 10:
Established in 1984, the 15,000-acre Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge protects a portion of the largest bottomland hardwood swamp in the United States. American alligators, Louisiana black bears, swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles and a variety of neotropical migratory birds share the scenic swampland with visitors who come to fish, hike, and bird-watch in the heart of Cajun country.
Photo courtesy of Kannan Sundaram / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 9:
The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on North Carolina's Outer Banks and spans approximately 5,800 acres of diverse habitats including salt marshes, dunes, maritime forests, and ponds. Serving as a nesting, resting, and wintering area for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, visitors can observe impressive flocks of swans, ducks, and other waterfowl, in addition to other wildlife, such as sea turtles.
Photo courtesy of Rich Keen/DPRA
No. 8:
The discovery of bald eagles at a former World War II chemical weapons manufacturing site spurred Congress to establish this wildlife refuge in 1992. Today, along its 11-mile Wildlife Drive and 20 miles of trails, visitors can also spot bison, deer, coyotes, burrowing owls, songbirds, and other thriving fauna and flora.
Photo courtesy of Fish & Wildlife Service
No. 7:
Spanning some 50,000 acres, the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in Madison, Indiana, is comprised of diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and streams. Bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts enjoy opportunities to observe a wide variety of bird species, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including bald eagles, Henslow's sparrows, crawfish frogs, and North American river otters.
Photo courtesy of Chris Caravello / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 6:
Although the nene — Hawaii’s endangered state bird, also known as the Hawaiian goose — is emblematic to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, its sheer cliffs and ocean waters are home to a number of other fascinating creatures. It boasts large populations of nesting seabirds, plus Hawaiian monk seals and spinner dolphins. Its historic lighthouse punctuates the island’s rugged and dramatic north shore.
Photo courtesy of Andrea Pickart/USFWS
No. 5:
The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Loleta, California, is notable for its mudflats, salt marshes, freshwater marshes, and grasslands that provide critical habitats for various wildlife species. As an essential stopover along the Pacific Flyway, the refuge's mudflats and marshes serve as essential foraging and resting areas for numerous shorebird and waterfowl species. The refuge also contributes to species and habitat conservation projects.
Photo courtesy of Lydia Schrandt
No. 4:
Many U.S. national wildlife refuges become synonymous with a certain species of fauna that they harbor and even restore. Bosque del Apache has an affinity for the colorful, distinctive Rocky Mountain sandhill crane, whose population has grown from around 400 in the 1940s to 17,000 to 20,000 today. The daily snow geese fly-outs and fly-ins at dawn and dusk respectively are the stuff of wildlife photographers' dreams.
Photo courtesy of "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society
No. 3:
Although many might equate the large and lovely roseate spoonbill with “Ding” Darling, serious birders come to look for the elusive mangrove cuckoo. The 4-mile Wildlife Drive and its spur trails allow nature watchers to come quite close to the cuckoos, plus the refuge’s American alligators, Florida manatees, and nearly 250 species of birds. Alongside wildlife watching, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Edwards / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 2:
Encompassing 35,000 acres along the Tennessee River, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama, includes diverse habitats such as bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields, providing crucial habitats for numerous wildlife species. The refuge is a key stopover for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway, hosting a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and birds of prey.
Photo courtesy of Neal Smith NWR
No. 1:
Home to herds of American bison and elk, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City, Iowa, serves as a living example of the historic prairie landscape, offering visitors the chance to observe these iconic species in a natural setting. The refuge is also known for its efforts to restore and preserve tallgrass prairie habitats once prevalent across the Midwest.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Annita Thomas
Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With... Read More
Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With Annita radio show, the recipient of two Gold Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. With 40 years of travel experience she has been to 119 countries and territories, and has worked in several areas of the travel industry. She started her travel career with Pan American World Airways and later worked for the Atlanta CVB during the 1996 Olympics. The multi-media journalist not only host a travel show on terrestrial radio, but also a Lowell Thomas Bronze Award winning podcast - Quarter Miles Travel featuring stories based on the U.S. Mint coins programs. She writes for Upscale Magazine and is an ambassador for Oprah Daily digital magazine. Annita's mission is to inspire Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters to go out and explore the world, creating memorable experiences. She values storytelling, cultural awareness, sharing human interest stories and highlighting sustainable travel brands. Her mission is to help shape the listeners and readers perspective of beautiful destinations around the world. She is the proud fur-baby mom of two fun loving Chocolate Labs, Boris and Natasha. Her favorite destination - the last place she visited. Her favorite travel quote - “Let’s Go!”
Annita Thomas
Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With Annita radio show, the recipient of two Gold Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. With 40 years of travel experience she has been to 119 countries and territories, and has worked in several areas of the travel industry. She started her travel career with Pan American World Airways and later worked for the Atlanta CVB during the 1996 Olympics. The multi-media journalist not only host a travel show on terrestrial radio, but also a Lowell Thomas Bronze Award winning podcast - Quarter Miles Travel featuring stories based on the U.S. Mint coins programs. She writes for Upscale Magazine and is an ambassador for Oprah Daily digital magazine. Annita's mission is to inspire Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters to go out and explore the world, creating memorable experiences. She values storytelling, cultural awareness, sharing human interest stories and highlighting sustainable travel brands. Her mission is to help shape the listeners and readers perspective of beautiful destinations around the world. She is the proud fur-baby mom of two fun loving Chocolate Labs, Boris and Natasha. Her favorite destination - the last place she visited. Her favorite travel quote - “Let’s Go!”
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Corinne Whiting
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she... Read More
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.
Corinne Whiting
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.
Dawn Marie
Dawn is a full-time travel & lifestyle blogger... Read More
Dawn is a full-time travel & lifestyle blogger whose adventures take her all over California and around the globe. Her focus is on creating in-depth articles, travel guides, and hotel reviews to help others plan their own adventures. Every Monday you can find a new comprehensive blog post and “virtual visit” video on her travel website FlyingDawnMarie.com
Dawn Marie
Dawn is a full-time travel & lifestyle blogger whose adventures take her all over California and around the globe. Her focus is on creating in-depth articles, travel guides, and hotel reviews to help others plan their own adventures. Every Monday you can find a new comprehensive blog post and “virtual visit” video on her travel website FlyingDawnMarie.com
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Nancy Brown
Nancy D. Brown is an adventure travel writer and... Read More
Nancy D. Brown is an adventure travel writer and equestrian travel expert. She is a 20-year veteran of the travel and hotel industries. A fourth generation northern Californian, she now makes her home with her husband in western Oregon. An avid equestrian, she’s happiest seeing the world from the back of a horse. You may also find her paddling her origami kayak. Learn more about her at www.nancydbrown, www.writinghorseback.com or Instagram.
Nancy Brown
Nancy D. Brown is an adventure travel writer and equestrian travel expert. She is a 20-year veteran of the travel and hotel industries. A fourth generation northern Californian, she now makes her home with her husband in western Oregon. An avid equestrian, she’s happiest seeing the world from the back of a horse. You may also find her paddling her origami kayak. Learn more about her at www.nancydbrown, www.writinghorseback.com or Instagram.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
