Wildlife Observation Center
Enjoy the 1.2 miles of trails at the Wildlife Observation Center, where you can get a close-up view of an exciting array of wildlife including frogs, snakes, turtles, mammals, and birds as you walk right over the swamp on boardwalk trails.
There are three observation blinds where you can view wildlife. Read more about wildlife management in the refuge and download lists of observed wildlife here.
The Wildlife Observation Center is open from sunrise to sunset daily. During spring and fall migration season, the information center is staffed by volunteers. Rest room facilities are available. No pets or picnicking are allowed.
Become a Junior Refuge Manager!
Becoming a Junior Refuge Manager is a great way to learn about the wildlife and habitats at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and it will improve your skills in observing nature. The program is suitable for children ages 5 to 13.
When the entire book has been completed, a refuge volunteer or a refuge employee will award you with an official Junior Refuge Manager badge! Wear your Junior Refuge Manager badge proudly — you earned it! Great for individuals, families, girl scouts and boy scouts, and home-schooled groups.
Pick up a copy of the book at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, seasonally at the Wildlife Observation Center, or download a copy here. Get started today!
Become an Agent of Discovery!
Did you know, you could play, explore, and learn about the refuge from your phone? Agents of Discovery is a free smartphone app which will help you discover more about the great outdoors. There are two Missions at the Wildlife Observation Center, each with several challenges.
Download the app from any online app store or scan this QR code. Do this from home before you visit the Refuge. The game uses the GPS in your phone to locate challenges, so be sure to have Location services turned on.
Agent Painted Turtle will help you find the challenges on each Mission. One Mission begins at the entrance to the boardwalk trails with challenges placed along the way to the Sportsmens Blind. As you move along the Mission route, your mobile device will alert you when you get near the next challenge. When a new challenge appears on your screen, tap to open it. You will learn fun facts about nature and wildlife, and then get a puzzle to solve. A second Mission begins at the Information kiosk and leads to the Garden Club Blind. Download this map of the Missions and challenges waiting for you.
The challenges are specifically designed to help learn about the wildlife and habitat at the Wildlife Observation Center. Missions and challenges will change with the seasons. So, what are you waiting for? “Your Adventure Is About To Begin” Are you up to the challenge?
For more information and tips to get you started, check out our YouTube video.