squaw creek national wildlife refuge

I visited this national wildlife preserve yesterday with my husband. This area has an internet page that gives the numbers of various species available at the preserve throughout the year. Based on that information we drove the 2 hours from our home to take a look at the Bald Eagles. We were not disappointed!! There were eagles in the air, in trees, on the ice, on the ground and they were close enough to get great photographs. The preserve has an auto tour route that circles the area. We were constantly treated to views of groups of eagles and saw two eagle nests too. This would be a great thing to do with your children. There is no charge. I would recommend checking their website before heading out, to see what you might expect to find. In November there are hundreds of thousands of waterfowl stopping in during their migration. This was not our first visit, but it was certainly the best due to the large number of eagles both adult and juvenile. This is so easy to get to, right off I-29 north of St. Joseph, MO. One more thing, the visitor center is not open until March, so bring your own snacks and beverages.

We drove 1 1/2 hrs to see eagles and we were not disappointed. Even just driving around the auto tour loop we saw over 20 of the majestic birds. We brought our own high powered binoculars but the Refuge provided some at different locations around the drive. We can't wait to go back

We stopped by the visitors center first, where the very helpful man at the front counter showed us on a map where we could likely see the eagles, and what other birds were in the area. We checked out the taxidermy, and the small rattlesnake in the far room (another volunteer was kind enough to get him to rattle for us) before hitting the trail. We took the Loess trail, which did have a decent slope to it, and offered great views. Finally, we rode over to the auto trail, and within a minute found about 15-20 eagles. While they were visible to the naked eye - be sure to bring your binoculars for better viewing!

I have been here now 4 times and every time has been amazing. All my visits have been from November through January and I have seen many birds on every occasion. This last time, November 2014, we saw 4 or 5 eagles and many waterfowl. Other times there have been more eagles and more waterfowl but it has been impressive every time. This last time, although we didn't see many waterfowl at the refuge itself, we did see and hear many thousands flying directly overhead. They were mainly geese but we did see several flights of ducks as well. The multiple flocks are always such an impressive sight. On previous occasions, we saw more birds at the refuge but this time they were mainly flying over. On my most recent previous trip, I saw a number of deer, but not this last time. There is a 10 mile or so self-directed auto tour drive that you take to drive through this place and so you can basically see everything in about an hour. Essentially, you drive around a huge marsh filled with water and grasses and reeds. They have a nice free brochure and some signs to tell you what you are looking at. There are several places to get out where they have viewing telescopes and/or raised viewing platforms but it was a bit too cold to get out much this last time. There are also places where you can get out and walk if you choose. If you like eagles and waterfowl, this is a must-see. There are no fees for this. The place is located about 25 miles north of Saint Joseph, Missouri which means it is accessible from Kansas City. We really enjoyed it. There are lots of places to take great pictures and/or video. There is a visitors center with restrooms and information but we didn't visit it this last time.

I'm spoiled to the Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Denver, Colorado that's why they're (Squaw Creek) are getting a very good rating. You're not guaranteed to see any wildlife when you come to Squaw Creek. Sorry, I don't count water fowl as wildlife or Canadian Geese. The auto tour is nice (yes, meaning you can drive your own car). I was hoping the eagles (200-300) had begun migrating in but they aren't there yet so I will be returning in a couple of weeks or next month.

If you are in the Mound City/ Maryville MO area, especially during the spring/fall seasons, its is worth your time to take a drive through the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Area for a look around. Situated off of Interstate 29 between St Joseph MO and Rockport MO at the Mound City exit, Squaw Creek is a wetlands area just a few miles east of the Missouri River. One side of the wildlife area is river bluffs, with plenty of trees and vegetation for deer, birds of prey (bald eagles and hawks) and smaller animals, while the refuge area itself crosses the river bottom west to the Missouri. It is a winter habitat for bald eagles and a stopping place for migratory birds such as snow geese, pelicans and other water birds. The surface roads through it are gravel, with plenty of observation places and tuck-ins to stop and look around from. Nearby is Big Lake State Park, some few miles further west for camping, RV's and picnics. Its a good weekend destination, and especially in the fall, the river bluffs are brilliant with leaves turning color.

Despite a negative review given to us by the Missouri State Trooper who had just given us a speeding ticket, we stopped by this refuge on our way to the Badlands just to stretch our legs.It is a very peaceful place, very quiet, serene. The loop drive around the wetlands was marvelously scenic (birds, birds, all types and sizes, galore, and wide open views of wetlands). Bring bug spray, though; there are lots and they are ambitious! Worth a stop (even if the police recommend differently).

The auto tour of the refuge is absolutely beautiful. I also hiked one of the trails. It was about 1.5 miles round trip, down to the viewing stand and back. A huge variety of birds, and saw a black snake in the road as well. Well worth a visit.

Best place to see Snow Geese and many other migrating birds. I have been there 3 times now and will go many more times. A good hike is up behind the visitors center great place to look out over the whole area. Become friends of Squaw Creek and you will see when the majority of the birds are migrating through at what time of the year

Kind of amazing that so many birds would flock up at the same time. Was a sight to see when they lifted off in mass.

I love to take my camera along for it's favorite close by visit to wildlife heaven. All seasons are great. I have been here more than 30 times and see something new and more camera friendly every time. Planning another visit soon~

Great scenic drive around the refuge. A late November visit resulted in viewing an abundance of eagles, ducks, geese and other waterfowl. A great family place with walking trails and driving loop. Other wildlife we encountered were coyotes, deer and small birds. The roads were well maintained for ease of travel. We viewed eagles in flight, sitting in the treetops, sitting on the ice and hunting from above the lake. There was an abundance of juvenile eagles as well as adults. The swans were absolutely beautiful!

This refuge is a great place for wildlife photography. It is a top location for Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, and in general a wide variety of water fowl. Each year in December they hold their annual Eagle Days. Volunteers will have viewing locations setup with scopes to aid this. The top three attractions for most are likely the Snow Geese, American Bald Eagle and over the last several years this place has become one of the top places in the state for Trumpeter Swans. At times over 400 Swan have been estimated to be on the refuge. It is quite a sight to see one of the pools nothing but a sea of Trumpeter Swans or during peak migration to see sometimes well over a estimated 1,000,000 Snow Geese congregated in one place. This is a great Place for the family to get outdoors and while they are at it, learn a little about the wildlife on the refuge and how this magnificent wet land is managed.It is common every year for various rare (at least to Missouri) water fowl and other birds to be confirmed. In the winter, Golden Eagles are sometimes observed.As others have, I too recommend first time visitors spend some time at the Visitor Center before going out on the refuge. The Staff is friendly and always willing to answer questions. In writing this review, I want to encourage all who care about our Nation's Wildlife Refuges and care about the Protection of our migratory birds to take a stand to protect our refuges from all outside pressures that may put the refuge or the migratory birds that use them at risk.While I used November as my visit date, I am a frequent visitor for the purpose of photography.

Saw lots of great blue herons and white egrets and a few ducks I could not identify. No shore birds or eagles; probably the wrong time of year.Hiked to the lookout stand and that seemed to be in good shape. This is a place worth visiting again and again as it is different each time.Wish it had more walking/hiking trails.Haven't been to visitor center but I do appreciate the restrooms nearby.

Lots of birds to photograph. Little birds, big birds. We were on a bit of a time schedule so didn't get what we wanted. If we had more time to pick a spot to sit and be quiet i am sure our photo opportunities would have been better.