Things to do
- Wildlife viewing and photography
- Hiking and bicycling on refuge roads and trails
- Atkeson Cypress Boardwalk
- Hunting and fishing under refuge permits and regulations
Facilities and lodging
- Visitor center and wildlife observation building
- Photography blinds
Plan your visit
- Phone: 256-350-6639
- Official page
A one-mile road segment in the Buckeye-Thorsen Arm Unit is closed from Nov. 15, 2026 to Feb. 28, 2027 for the waterfowl sanctuary. Visitor center hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 4, March through October.
Information from official sources, retrieved Nov. 10, 2026. Confirm hours, fees, permits and closures with the managing agency before you go.
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Questions about Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
AboutWhat is Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a refuge near Decatur established in 1938, important for wintering waterfowl and cranes, including endangered whooping cranes. It has a visitor center, a boardwalk, photography blinds and many miles of roads and trails.
Getting thereWhere is Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is in Limestone County, Alabama.
Things to doWhat can you do at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Things to doCan you fish at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is listed for fishing. Fishing rules, licenses, seasons and limits are set by the State of Alabama and the managing agency, so check current regulations before you cast.
Things to doIs hunting allowed at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is listed for hunting. Seasons, bag limits, licenses and area rules are set by the State of Alabama and the managing agency, so confirm what applies to this area before you go.
Things to doWhat else is there to do near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Browse more places in Limestone County. You can also browse by activity: birding, fishing and hiking.
Before you goHow do you check conditions and closures at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Contact the managing agency for current conditions, closures and rules, by phone at 256-350-6639.
This page lists public information. It does not replace posted signs or the manager's notices. Hours, fees, permits and closures change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.
TrustHow accurate is this listing for Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge?
Information from official sources, retrieved Nov. 10, 2026. Confirm hours, fees, permits and closures with the managing agency before you go.
This page was last updated on November 11, 2026.