Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 371 North River Street, Swanton, VT 05488 8148, USA
Phone: 802-868-4781 Email: fw5rw_msqnwr@fws.gov

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Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1943, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain near the Canadian border in Franklin County, Vermont. This 6,642-acre refuge includes most of the Missisquoi River delta where it flows into Missisquoi Bay. The refuge consists of quiet waters and wetlands which attract large flocks of migratory birds. Upland areas of the refuge are a mix of open fields and a hardwood forest of American elm, white ash, white oak, silver and red maple. Both of these areas provide habitat for migratory songbirds, resident mammals and other wildlife.

Missisquoi refuge is one link in a chain of refuges for migratory birds that extends along the Atlantic Flyway between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. The refuge provides important feeding, resting and breeding habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl, in the northern Lake Champlain section of the flyway.

Refuge lands also protect the Shad Island great blue heron rookery, the largest colony in Vermont. The refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Contact Us

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

371 North River Street

Swanton, VT 05488

Phone: (802)868-4781

Fax: (802)868-2379

E-Mail: FW5RW_MSQNWR@fws.gov

Directions

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is located about 3 miles northwest of Swanton, on Vermont Route 78. From I89, take Exit 21 and turn west on Route 78. Follow Route 78 west for about 1.5 miles to the intersection of Route 78 and US Route 7 at the Swanton town square. Turn right and follow Route 78 west for another 3 miles and look for the refuge headquarters on the left. A refuge entrance sign is located in front of the headquarters and is visible from Route 78.

From the West, take Exit 42 off of I87 and turn right onto US Route 11 and follow for about 6 miles. Turn right onto US Route 2/Bridge Rd. and follow for about 7 miles. Turn left onto Vermont Route 78 and follow for 7.5 miles and look for the refuge headquarters on the right.

Activities

  • Boating
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife Viewing