Bird Watching / Wildlife Viewing

From bald eagles to hummingbirds, the Mississippi Flyway attracts more than 325 bird species. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Thomson encompasses 261-miles across four states, making it the longest, contiguous river refuge in the continental U.S. Mississippi Palisades State Park supports more than 200 bird species including 34 different warblers. Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge’s Gilbert Lake and Calhoun Divisions are birding hotspots that are listed on the National Audubon Society’s Great River Birding Trail. LaRue-Pine Hills is known for its biodiversity and as a resting area for migratory birds and waterfowl, but it’s best known for its “Snake Road” that closes for migrating reptiles. From otters to bobcats and white-tailed deer to red fox, state parks and federal recreation areas along the river provide opportunities for both wildlife and bird watching.