There’s always more natural beauty to discover in Missouri. No matter where you are in the state, The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is worth a trip. This hidden oasis is truly a Missouri gem not to be missed!

Located in Puxico, in the south of the state, the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1944 under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Greg Schechter/Flickr
It’s an important resting and wintering spot for waterfowl and migratory birds and was also created for the preservation of bottomland hardwood forest.
DMangus/Flickr
The spot is located in Mingo Basin, what was once, many moons ago, a channel of the Mississippi River.
USFWSmidwest/Flickr
Its nearly 22,000 acres include a 7,730-acre Wilderness Area, where fishing, hiking, photography and even hunting are encouraged.
USFWSmidwest/Flickr

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You also can kayak and canoe the Mingo River, Stanley Creek, Monopoly Mash and more.
USFWSmidwest/Flickr
If going by foot is more your thing, there are more than 50 miles of trails, including an easy, wheelchair-accessible Swampland Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop through the Bottomland forest.
DMangus/Flickr
Driving is also an option. Take the Ozark Highlands Auto Tour Route, which has four overlooks, to enjoy the scenic views.
USFWSmidwest/Flickr
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s something to see. In January, there are bald eagles. In, spring, wildflowers. In summers, birds and deer. In November, bobcats.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
In total, more than 245 bird species have been recorded here.
DMagngus/Flickr

Want more Missouri natural wonders? Check out these magical beaches and this underrated state park.

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