Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge protects the rich wetlands of the Missisquoi River delta, where the river empties into the northeastern corner of Lake Champlain in far northern Vermont. Its thousands of acres of marshes, open water, floodplain forest and one of the largest silver maple swamps in the region form a vital haven for waterfowl and wildlife on the Atlantic Flyway.

The refuge is famous for birds — great concentrations of migrating ducks and geese in spring and fall, one of Vermont’s few great blue heron rookeries, nesting ospreys and bald eagles, and a wealth of marsh and woodland birds. Visitors explore by trail, paddle the river and waterways, watch wildlife and birds, and take in the quiet beauty of this great wetland. A haven of wild wetland Vermont, Missisquoi is a treasured natural icon of the state.

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge offers wildlife and bird watching (its signature activity), hiking on trails through floodplain forest and along the wetlands (with observation points), paddling the Missisquoi River and its delta waterways by canoe or kayak (a wonderful way to see wildlife), fishing, and (in season) limited hunting. The visitor center interprets the wetlands. Birding and paddling the delta for the abundant wildlife are the signature draws. The combination of a great wetland delta, abundant birds and quiet paddling and walking makes Missisquoi a premier wildlife destination.

Spring and fall are the prime times, when great concentrations of migrating waterfowl (ducks and geese) and other birds pass through the delta on the Atlantic Flyway — spectacular for birders — while summer brings nesting herons, ospreys and eagles and lush green (and mosquitoes). Winter is quiet and cold. The bird migrations of spring and fall are the highlights — come in those seasons for the great waterfowl concentrations and migrants, bring binoculars, and paddle or walk quietly in the early morning for the best wildlife viewing.

The Missisquoi delta is part of the homeland of the Abenaki people, who have long lived in and used these wetlands (the Missisquoi Abenaki community remains in the region). Recognizing the area’s vital importance to migrating waterfowl, the federal government established Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in 1943 to protect the delta wetlands on the Atlantic Flyway. It remains a key refuge for birds and wildlife. Missisquoi preserves this great wetland delta, its wildlife and its Abenaki heritage, a treasured icon of Vermont.

Missisquoi protects the delta where the Missisquoi River drops its sediment as it enters the still waters of Lake Champlain, building a broad, flat wetland of marshes, channels, mudflats and floodplain — a classic river delta. The flat lakeshore lowland, flooded seasonally by the river and the lake, creates the marshes, swamps and open water. The Champlain Valley itself was shaped by glaciation and the post-glacial Champlain Sea. The river’s sediment, the flat lakeshore and the seasonal flooding created this great wetland delta.

Missisquoi teems with birds — great concentrations of migrating ducks and geese on the Atlantic Flyway, one of Vermont’s largest great blue heron rookeries, nesting ospreys and bald eagles, marsh birds, and a wealth of waterfowl and woodland species — along with white-tailed deer, beavers, muskrats, otters, turtles and abundant wetland life, and fish in the river and lake. The great wetland delta is one of Vermont’s richest wildlife areas. Missisquoi offers superb birding and wildlife watching, with the migrating waterfowl, the heron rookery and the eagles among the highlights.

Missisquoi protects a vital wetland ecosystem — marshes, open water, mudflats, and one of the region’s largest silver maple floodplain swamps — that serves as a crucial stopover and breeding ground for waterfowl and birds on the Atlantic Flyway, a nursery for fish, and a filter and buffer for Lake Champlain’s water. The delta wetlands are among the most productive and important habitats in the Champlain Valley, and sensitive to water-quality and invasive-species issues. Protecting the wetlands, the water quality and the wildlife sustains both the ecology and the richness of this great refuge.

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge holds a treasured place among the icons of Vermont — the great wetland delta where the Missisquoi River meets Lake Champlain, a haven of marshes and floodplain forest alive with migrating waterfowl, herons and eagles, on the homeland of the Missisquoi Abenaki people. Its rich birdlife and quiet wetland beauty embody the wild side of the Champlain Valley. Missisquoi is a cherished natural icon of Vermont and a jewel of the national wildlife refuge system.

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is in far northwestern Vermont, on the Missisquoi River delta at Lake Champlain near the town of Swanton, off U.S. Route 7 and Route 78, near the Canadian border and about 45 minutes north of Burlington. There is no entrance fee. The refuge has a visitor center, trails (like the Black and Maquam Creek trails and the Stephen Young Marsh trail), river and waterway access for paddling, and observation points. Some areas close seasonally to protect wildlife or for hunting. Check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for trails, access, seasonal closures and conditions before visiting.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service protects Missisquoi’s wetlands and wildlife. Visitors help by staying on trails and designated areas, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife (especially the heron rookery and nesting eagles and ospreys), paddling quietly without disturbing birds, respecting seasonal closures (for nesting or hunting), packing out everything, not introducing invasive species (clean gear), and following all rules. The wetlands, the heron rookery and the migrating birds are sensitive. Protecting the wetlands, the water quality and the wildlife sustains both the ecology and the richness of this great refuge.

Missisquoi is a wetland, so come prepared for mosquitoes and biting insects (especially in summer — bring repellent), wet and muddy trails (wear appropriate footwear), and sun on the open marshes. When paddling, watch the weather and currents on the river and lake, wear a life jacket, and be aware that the delta’s channels can be confusing (carry a map). Be aware of hunting seasons (wear blaze orange if visiting then, and check closures). Respect the insects, the wet trails, the paddling conditions and the hunting seasons.

There is no entrance fee. Stay on trails and designated areas; respect seasonal closures protecting nesting birds (and for hunting). Keep a distance from wildlife, especially the heron rookery and nesting eagles/ospreys. Paddle without disturbing wildlife. Clean gear to prevent invasive species. Pets must be leashed and are restricted in places. Drones are prohibited. Hunting and fishing follow refuge and state rules and seasons. Pack out all trash. Check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for trails, closures, seasons and rules before visiting.

The town of Swanton, the city of St. Albans, the Lake Champlain Islands to the south, the city of Burlington, and the Canadian border and Quebec to the north lie near the refuge. The Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain define the region. Missisquoi anchors the great wetlands of northern Lake Champlain, a centerpiece of a Vermont birding and nature trip, easily combined with the Lake Champlain Islands, St. Albans and Burlington.

Come in spring or fall for the spectacular waterfowl migration, or summer for nesting herons, ospreys and eagles — bring binoculars and walk the refuge trails (like the Black and Maquam Creek trails) or, best of all, paddle the Missisquoi River and delta quietly by canoe or kayak for up-close wildlife. Visit early in the morning for the most active birds, bring strong insect repellent (the marshes are buggy), wear footwear for wet trails, respect seasonal closures and the heron rookery, and combine your visit with the Lake Champlain Islands.