For the birds

Established under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, the Iroquois refuge provides critical habitat for 266 bird species, in addition to 42 mammal species, and numerous reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects. Iroquois NWR is also one of New York’s first designated Important Bird Areas (IBA) due to its exceptional bird diversity, particularly in its wetlands.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is between the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda State Wildlife Management Areas.

1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013-9730

Visitor Center Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nature Trails and Overlooks

Year-round: Sunrise to sunset

Driving Directions

From the New York State Thruway (I-90) take Exit 48-A (Pembroke/Medina). Go north on Route 77 for approximately eight miles. At the four-way stop light in the town of Alabama, continue straight for one more mile to Casey Road. Turn left on Casey Road. The Visitor Center and administration office are one mile west.

Exhibits And Eagle Camera

The refuge Visitor Center, in the lobby of the headquarters building, has a wealth of interactive material describing the refuge and the wildlife that call it home, even if for only part of the year. A monitor in the Visitor Center is also constantly streaming our new bald eagle nest camera. The camera was made possible with help from Pixcams.com, which helped select the equipment and provided the streaming platform, and Treeman Tom, which helped install the camera. The Visitor Center also has handy restroom facilities.

Flyway Nature Store

The Flyway Nature Store offers a changing range of gift and memorabilia items. The store is staffed by volunteers and is open when staffing is available, although we aim to be open when the Visitor Center is open. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, which supports and protects the refuge. The store accepts credit cards, checks or exact change. We do not keep cash on hand to make change for security reasons.

Take a nature bath

Studies have shown that getting out into nature can lower your blood pressure and help you to de-stress. Be aware of the time of year and your surroundings, and wear proper attire. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge offers five trails you can hike:

Feeder Road

A semi-paved road 3.5 miles straight out and back again, for 7 miles total, the longest trail on the refuge. Relatively easy and accessible.

Kanyoo Trail

Two loops, one .66 of a mile and the other 1 mile. Includes a short boardwalk over the marsh. Accessible, but can get muddy in places.

Headquarters Trail

Just under a mile loop right behind the refuge visitors center. The easiest and most accessible trail, although it can get muddy in places.

Onondaga Trail:

A little over a mile out and then back again. Relatively the most difficult terrain — be prepared for muddy areas and some inclines.

Swallow Hollow Trail

A 1.26-mile loop, including a lengthy boardwalk. Accessible at the start of the trail via a ramp.

Feeder Road Trail Audio Tour

We offer self guided audio tours for several of the trails at Iroquois NWR. Use the media player below to listen along, or read the transcript to learn more about the history, ecology, and wildlife for certain points along the trail.

Swallow Hollow Trail Audio Tour

We offer self guided audio tours for several of the trails at Iroquois NWR. Use the media player below to listen along, or read the transcript to learn more about the history, ecology, and wildlife for certain points along the trail.