Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

General information

The Ohio River Islands National Widlife Refuge is one of more than 550 refuges and other units in the National Wildlife Refuge System, the world's largest and most diverse network of lands and waters devoted specifically to wildlife. Refuges are places where wildlife comes first!

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge began with the purchase of eight islands in the Ohio River by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1990. Today, the refuge consists of 22 islands scattered along 362 miles of river and across 3 states. The refuge offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation for visitors. In 2007 a visitor contact station was opened in Williamstown, West Virginia. The visitor station features self guided exhibits (including a 1000 gallon aquarium containing native Ohio River fish), hiking trails, fishing pier, and a butterfly garden. The refuge's Middle Island in St. Mary's, West Virginia offers an auto tour, fishing access and hiking trails. Visitors are welcome on the refuge!