Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Illinois

I love Crab Orchard Refuge! I just want to start with that, because I know I'm not giving it 5 stars, but it's still a place I go regularly and am not about to stop! A great place to drive and see wildlife or go fishing. It is National Refuge land, so usage fees apply! Check the visitor center hours before your visit!

I knocked down a Star because they're they're not very good at keeping their signage legible! The interpretive signs along the wildlife drive are fading fast, becoming hard to read. The few hiking paths they have are good, but could easily be improved with a bit of gravel in the wet areas of the paths. Since their move to the new visitor center (which is just an office building really) there's no longer a way to pay for use when the building is closed? The new setup is probably great for them, but feels a lot more impersonal as a visitor, in my opinion. Also, be warned about the giant potholes on the causeway by the bridge! They're massive!

If you're in So. Illinois and are looking more for hiking or a good interpretive visitor center, head to Giant City State Park, which is free! But if you want good fishing, boating, or just a casual drive to see turkey, deer, and migratory birds, Crab Orchard is the...

There are a lot of secrets at this lake. There are so many restricted areas. I know there are bunkers and they store ammunition and stuff, but you wouldn't think they would need THAT much land to need to keep restricted and secretive.

Also, why is it such a huge deal if you pick up an arrowhead? Think about it... They built a flipping lake over top a HUGE ancient archeological site, and RUINED it!! But they're worried about people picking up an arrowhead? What about all the arrowheads they destroyed while making the lake? Does anyone ever think about that kind of stuff? Pretty hypocritical of them, if you want my...

We've stopped at the old visitor's center many times, but never really explored the area. First, there is an all new and very nice HQ and visitor's center now. This trip we went looking for shore birds. The area is very nice with shade, benches, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. Nearby is a nice picnic and hiking area with native wildflowers. Will definitely visit again. Note: a small fee is required for a vehicle pass and can be obtained at the visitor's center. Sorry, I forgot to...