Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

For a day in nature, visit the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your binoculars and camera to catch a glimpse of native species. The 19-year-old refuge was established to protect, conserve and restore forested habitat for wildlife native to the river’s floodplain after decades of farming and oil and gas extraction. Totaling more than 3,300 acres, the refuge consists of three mainland tracts and 22 islands sprinkled along nearly 400 miles of the Ohio River. Most islands are accessible only by boat, but Middle Island, adjacent to St. Mary’s, West Virginia, can be accessed by bridge. There is also a visitor’s facility in Williamstown, West Virginia. The refuge is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; the visitor facility is open Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from April to November.

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge,
3982 Waverly Rd., Williamstown, WV 26187, 304/375-2923.

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