Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
26 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
The Patoka River in Southwest Indiana had long been recognized for its wetland and wildlife values on a local, statewide and regional basis.
Outdoors
Wildlife viewing and birding near Evansville
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Evansville for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
17places to see wildlife
26 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
Closest picks
Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
46 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers
Provides a usable pool for commercial boat traffic on the Ohio, and is popular with recreational boaters. This area is along the Lewis and Clark route.
Patoka Lake
55 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Patoka Lake: two pairs of bald eagles established nests during the spring of 1992 through 1997.
Map of all 17 places
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Within 30 miles (1)
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
The Patoka River in Southwest Indiana had long been recognized for its wetland and wildlife values on a local, statewide and regional basis.
- Birding
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
30 to 75 miles (4)
Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
Provides a usable pool for commercial boat traffic on the Ohio, and is popular with recreational boaters. This area is along the Lewis and Clark route.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake: two pairs of bald eagles established nests during the spring of 1992 through 1997.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Rough River Lake
The 5,100 acre Rough River Lake provides a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The U.S.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Swimming
Hoosier National Forest
Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
75 miles and farther (12)
Gun Creek
Gun Creek Campground is located on the eastern shore of Rend Lake— the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water Access
Barkley Lake
Lake Barkley was named for former Vice-President Alben Barkley. Land Between the Lakes (US Forest Service) and Fort Donelson National Military Park are on Lake Barkley?s western shore.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
North Marcum Day Use Area
North Marcum Day Use Area— the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
Rend Lake
Rend Lake, IL, located in the heart of southern Illinois, is a natural haven for wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 5, 1947. The refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and fauna.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
Nolin River Lake
Nolin River Lake has an average annual visitation of over two million and maintains one of the lowest drowning rates in the State.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge
In 1998, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge became the 549th National Wildlife Refuge in the Country. Located in far western Kentucky, the refuge encompasses of one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forest in the region.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge was authorized on June 26, 1990 under the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986. The refuge will eventually encompass 35,000 acres.
- Archery
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge
Established on Nov. 9, 1962, Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge lies within the floodplain of the Cumberland River which is now Barkley Lake. The refuge was established as a result of mitigation proceedings with the U.S.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
"Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in Capitals on the maps of our United Country..." Brigadier General Ulysses S.
- Biking
- Hiking
- History
- Wildlife viewing
Barren River Lake
The Barren River was the historic route for westward traveling pioneers. They would travel down the Barren River to a trading post at present-day Bowling Green, Kentucky, where their journey would proceed by land.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Carlyle Lake
Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Expecially attractive to sailboaters. Illinois' largest lake.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Evansville. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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Questions
Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding near Evansville?
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 26 miles northeast of Evansville as the crow flies. Next are Ohio River - Cannelton Pool (46 mi) and Patoka Lake (55 mi).
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.