Bordered by steep wooded bluffs that rise 100 to 600 feet above the river valley, the Mississippi River corridor and refuge offer scenic beauty and productive fish and wildlife habitat unmatched in the heart of America. Established in 1924 to be a refuge for fish, wildlife and plants and a breeding place for migratory
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 507-452-4232 · uppermississippiriver@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include River Bottoms Trail, Lake Winona Bike Path, Oxbow Dike Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Nearby sites
Mississippi River - Pool 5A
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
Royalbroil / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.