Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge

The Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is growing. Established in 1994, the refuge has grown to 10,400 acres. Like pearls on a string, these acres are spread out as individual units along the Missouri River between Kansas City and St. Louis. These pearls of habitat benefit floodplain-dependent fish and wildlife species. The Big Muddy Refuge is planning to grow to 60,000 acres by buying land from willing sellers who want to see their properties set aside for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of all.

Office Headquarters To reach the refuge headquarters in Southeast Columbia, Missouri, take the AC exit off Highway 63; turn east onto New Haven Road. Travel one mile to USGS Environmental and Contaminants Research Center. The refuge office is located down the third driveway on the right off New Haven Rd.

Overton Bottoms North Unit Take exit 111 off Interstate 70 east of Boonville and west of Columbia, Missouri. Turn north onto Highway 98, and drive two miles to the unit boundary. There are four miles of gravel roads in the unit.

Jameson Island Unit Take Highway 41 (exit 98) off Interstate 70. Travel 13 miles on Highway 41 to Arrow Rock, Missouri. Take Main Street through town, and turn left on 2nd Street, which runs along the side of the Lyceum Theater. Drive 0.25 mile to the refuge unit. Limited parking and no turn around for trailers.

Lisbon Bottoms Unit Take Highway 87 (exit 106) off Interstate 70 in Boonville, Missouri. Follow 87 through downtown Boonville, and cross th