Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 11,047 acres of shallow lake, swamp, and bottomland hardwood forests in northeastern Arkansas near Blytheville and Jonesboro.

The New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 transformed the Little River's free-flowing system into Big Lake, creating the wetland ecosystem that exists today.

The area experienced conflicts known as the Big Lake Wars between local subsistence hunters and sportsmen from the 1870s until its establishment as a refuge.

The refuge allows public access throughout the year, though flooding can restrict entry, and includes designated areas for fishing activities.

Wood ducks raise approximately 2,500 young annually in natural cavities and nest boxes throughout the refuge, maintaining a substantial year-round population.

Location: Mississippi County

Location: Arkansas

Inception: August 2, 1915

Website: https://fws.gov/biglake

GPS coordinates: 35.91670,-90.11670

Latest update: March 29, 2025 17:58