State Parks and National Parks

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Sumner, MO U.S.A.

16194 Swan Lake Ave.
Sumner, MO 64681
U.S.A.

660-856-3323
800-877-8339 TTY
660-856-3687 Fax

March-October.

No Entry Fee Charged

State Park Information

Since it was established, the Swan Lake refuge’s primary emphasis has changed from ducks to the eastern prairie population of Canada geese. The 10,795-acre refuge also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.

The visitor center, open weekdays, is located about three miles south of Sumner. A number of displays and a short video about the refuge are available. The refuge itself is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 15 miles of graveled roads open up the refuge to vehicles and mountain bikes from March 1 through Oct. 15.

White-tailed deer, waterfowl, an assortment of wading birds, raptors and other wildlife can be viewed. A three-quarter mile nature trail begins at refuge headquarters and ends at the edge of the Swan Lake impoundment. Interpretive signs highlight the trail.

Silver Lake and other refuge waters are home to catfish, carp, bullhead, crappie and other species. Boats with up to 10 hp are permitted. A boat ramp and fishing pier are also available.

Goose hunting is permitted annually and a number of pit-blinds are available. Three special deer hunts take place, including a deer hunt for disabled hunters.

The Yellow Creek Research Natural Area is one of the few remaining areas of old-growth bottomland hardwoods in the area.

Conservation programs at Swan Lake include cropland management, water management and, to a lesser extent, grassland and forest management.

Water management is aimed at benefiting waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds and a variety of wetland wildlife.

Refuge staff plan to diversify refuge lands to create a mixture of wildlife habitat.

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