Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, located in northwestern Missouri near Mound City, was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife. Spanning 7,415 acres along the eastern edge of the Missouri River floodplain, the refuge is bordered by the Loess Hills and features a scenic trail originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a vital stopover on the Central Flyway, hosting massive migrations of waterfowl, including snow geese and trumpeter swans, with bald eagles frequenting the area in winter. The refuge was originally known as Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge but was renamed in 2017 to remove the term “squaw,” which is now considered inappropriate. Historically, the area was a wetland used for hunting before being drained in the early 20th century, though frequent flooding led to its restoration as a wildlife habitat. The refuge features extensive wetland management infrastructure, including impoundments, levees, and ditches, as well as visitor facilities such as an auditorium and an auto tour route. Loess Bluffs continues to play a crucial role in conservation efforts and remains a popular destination for wildlife observation, particularly during migration seasons.