Last updated: September 21, 2021
Thing to Do
Wildlife Watching in the MNRR
Missouri National Recreational River and other national parks offer a unique experience for watching wildlife. Animals in parks are wild—visitors have the amazing opportunity to view animals as they live and interact with each other in their natural homes. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and for the safety of the animals, too. Simply put, leave animals alone—no touching, no feeding, no harassing. Just remember to keep your distance, and enjoy your experience watching wildlife. Missouri NRR is a great place to observe various species in their native and wild habitat. These wild animals are an important and vital part of our natural ecosystem. We can learn a great deal by carefully observing them and practicing safe wildlife watching.
There are various places within the MNRR to observe wildlife: Bow Creek Recreation Area, Mulberry Bend Overlook, Goat Island and Green Island. Our federal and state park partners also have great places to watch wildlife: Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Ponca State Park, Niobrara State Park, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, Audubon Bend Wildlife Area, the Frost Trail, Clay County Park Nature Trail, and North Alabama Bend. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium also raises a variety of fish from the endangered pallid sturgeon to the common bluegill. The public aquarium displays over 60 native and introduced species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians in a diverse assortment of tanks.
The following species are known to live in the Missouri River corridor: Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel, River Otter, Red Fox, Beaver, Coyote, White-tailed Deer, Great Blue Heron, Striped Skunk, Turkey, Ring-necked Pheasant, Muskrat, Big brown Bat, Little brown Bat, Hoary Bat, Evening Bat, Tri-colored Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Silver haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Snapping Turtle, Painted Turtle, False Map Turtle, Western Box Turtle, Smooth Softshell, Spiny Softshell, Tiger Salamander, Great Plains Toad, Woodhouse's Toad, Northern Cricket Frog, Cope's Gray Treefrog, Western Chorus Frog, Plains Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, Northern Leopard Frog, Plains Spadefoot, Racer Snake, Ring-necked Snake, Western Fox Snake, Western Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Milksnake, Northern Water Snake, Gopher Snake, Redbelly Snake, Common Garter Snake, Prairie Rattlesnake and many species of fish and birds.
Tips for Wildlife Watching
The best way to view is from a distance with binoculars. We need to use common sense when observing wild animals, please remember that life in the wild has its own stresses.
There are various places within the MNRR to observe wildlife: Bow Creek Recreation Area, Mulberry Bend Overlook, Goat Island and Green Island. Our federal and state park partners also have great places to watch wildlife: Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Ponca State Park, Niobrara State Park, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, Audubon Bend Wildlife Area, the Frost Trail, Clay County Park Nature Trail, and North Alabama Bend. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium also raises a variety of fish from the endangered pallid sturgeon to the common bluegill. The public aquarium displays over 60 native and introduced species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians in a diverse assortment of tanks.
The following species are known to live in the Missouri River corridor: Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel, River Otter, Red Fox, Beaver, Coyote, White-tailed Deer, Great Blue Heron, Striped Skunk, Turkey, Ring-necked Pheasant, Muskrat, Big brown Bat, Little brown Bat, Hoary Bat, Evening Bat, Tri-colored Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Silver haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Snapping Turtle, Painted Turtle, False Map Turtle, Western Box Turtle, Smooth Softshell, Spiny Softshell, Tiger Salamander, Great Plains Toad, Woodhouse's Toad, Northern Cricket Frog, Cope's Gray Treefrog, Western Chorus Frog, Plains Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, Northern Leopard Frog, Plains Spadefoot, Racer Snake, Ring-necked Snake, Western Fox Snake, Western Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Milksnake, Northern Water Snake, Gopher Snake, Redbelly Snake, Common Garter Snake, Prairie Rattlesnake and many species of fish and birds.
Tips for Wildlife Watching
The best way to view is from a distance with binoculars. We need to use common sense when observing wild animals, please remember that life in the wild has its own stresses.
- Never disrupt, approach or attempt to feed wild animals, this is dangerous to you and the animal.
- Never approach nesting or denning sites, this could be detrimental to the survival of the young.
- Back off immediately if the animal seems stressed, agitated or angry.
- Respect the space and territory of wildlife.
Wildlife watching is much more enjoyable and successful if we can watch them performing their natural activities like nursing young, playing, fighting, foraging or hunting without their knowledge of our presence. Please enjoy viewing wildlife to the fullest extent but keep respect and consideration for the animals' well being in mind.
BIRD WATCHING
Bird watching in the area is excellent, especially in spring and early summer. Some of the feathered friends that spend time in the area include catbirds, Robins, Blue Jays, Common Grackle, Dickcissel, Red-wing Black Bird, Hummingbirds, Baltimore Oriole, Piping Plover, Interior Least Tern, and American Bald Eagle.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Please follow B.A.R.K. Ranger principles and respect wildlife. Observe from a distance so that the species does not feel threatened by the presence of your pet.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Wildlife viewing can be done from the comfort of your car or from various trails and wildlife areas. Our partner sites may have varying accessibility due to trail width, trail medium, and grade.