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Illinois
62

State of Illinois Parks

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USA Parks
Illinois
Southern Region
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
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Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Rear view mirrow © Kris Killman
Deer feeding in a Soybean field in Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Turkey watch © Kris Killman
Turkeys in the Refuge sunning themselves.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Blue Heron Home © Kris Killman
A Blue Heron waiting patiently in the Crab Orchard Lake
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge The Chase is on. © Kris Killman
Two Egrets competing for the same hunting waters. One decided to leave.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Red Wing Black Bird © Kris Killman
A red wing black bird sings.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Crab Orchard Sunrise © Kris Killman
A late Summer Sunrise on Crab Orchard.
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CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
8588 Route 148
Marion, Illinois   62959
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Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge's 44,000 acres of land and water contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Major habitat types on the refuge include hardwood forest, agricultural land, grazing units, brushland, wetlands, and lakes. The refuge provides significant resting areas for migratory birds utilizing the Mississippi Flyway. Wintering numbers of Canada Geese can peak at 200,000. A total of 700 plant species, 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species have been documented on the refuge.

The western 24,000 acres of the refuge provide a wide range of recreational opportunities and also includea 4,050-acre wilderness area. The eastern portion, 20,000 acres, is a wildlife sanctuary, and public use is limited.

Cooperative farming, permittee grazing, and moist soil units are the primary management tools used to provide feeding and loafing areas for migrating and wintering waterfowl. The topography of the refuge varies from gentle rolling slopes through most of the refuge to slopes exceeding 24% in the southern portion. There is a wide spectrum of recreational opportunities on and around three man-made lakes on the refuge.

Present annual visitation is approximately 1,000,000 visitors. Industrial activities on the refuge range from manufacturing and storage facilities to administrative offices. Many buildings now housing industries were used in the manufacturing of explosives during World War II, and they are still used for military ordnance production today. The concrete igloos built for munition storage are now leased to private industry for storage of many types of products.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
Nearby Accommodations
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Cedar Sunset Cabin - Buncombe, IL
Cottages and Cabins
Top notch accommodations on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest.
12.8 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Pinnon Lake Cabins - Buncombe, IL
Cottages and Cabins
Tucked away in the picturesque rolling hills of Southern Illinois, our location rests on the highly acclaimed Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Pinnon Lake cabins are ten tranquil minutes from the edge of Shawnee National Forest. Moments from anywhere yet feels like miles from it all.
13 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cedar Rock Cabins - Goreville, IL
Cottages and Cabins
Located in beautiful Johnson County, Illinois, and nestled within the Shawnee National Forest. Enjoy the screened in porch at dusk and view the wildlife that wanders freely through the woods. The hot tub is located out of doors so you can relax in luxury beneath the stars....
11 miles from park*




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Area Campgrounds
Four Seasons Campground
721 East Carroll Street
Herrin, IL
618-942-2069
Marion Campground & RV Park
119 North 7th
Marion, IL
618-997-3484
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Enjoy a getaway to nearby Southern Illinois with Shawnee National Forest Cabins. Rustic log cabin rentals with modern comforts such as hot tubs, Wifi and satellite TV located near Garden of the God in the Shawnee National Forest.
38.6 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Doc's Lakeside Cabin - Jonesboro, IL
Cottages and Cabins
Doc's Lakeside Cabin was built in 2012 and is located in beautiful Southern Illinois. Let us welcome you to setting where you can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
23 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located five miles west of Marion, Illinois, and five miles south of Herrin, Illinois, on State Route 148. From I-57 in Marion, go west on Illinois Route 13 about three miles to Illinois Route 148. Turn left (south) and go two and one-half miles. The refuge Visitor Information Center is located on the left.

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Illinois
62

State of Illinois Parks

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