Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

On the outskirts of this North Alabama river city are 34,500 acres of naturally preserved woodlands and wetlands offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Canada geese, snow geese and 22 species of ducks spend winters at the Wheeler Refuge, which is named for General Joseph Fighting Joe Wheeler. The Givens Wildlife Interpretive Center serves as the welcome center for the refuge. The modern center is open to self-guided tours and offers dozens of nature displays showing animals native to North Alabama, pamphlets and wildlife films. Nearby is a large glass enclosed observatory overlooking an 18-acre pond where waterfowl can be studied during their winter migration. Other public facilities offered in Wheeler Refuge, which stretches for 20 miles along the Tennessee River, include six public boat ramps, 112 miles of gravel roads and a series of hiking trails running through three counties.