Givens Intrepretive Center
at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, AL

Our own adopted wildlife refuge... Wheeler NWR encompasses over 34,500 acres along the banks of Wheeler Lake on the Tennessee River. At 67,100 acres, Wheeler is the second largest lake in the state, and is situated along the Mississippi flyway, bringing an abundance of ducks and geese. Trails range in length up to two miles. The refuge stretches from west of Athens and Decatur all the way into Redstone Arsenal; the eastern end isn't far from Ditto Landing in south Huntsville.

Here are a few photos from around the Wheeler Visitors Center. The two inside views show some of the wildlife displays. The third photo here is a composite of the view looking out from the Wildlife Observation Building, which is a few hundred yards from the main building. There is also a second floor observation area in the building

Directions:

Coming from Decatur: It's really close! Just take Highway 67 (Point Mallard Parkway) to the east. It's about 2 miles from the intersection of Hwy 31 and Hwy 67. Turn right. Ta-da!

Coming from Huntsville: From I-565, get on I-65 heading south, cross the Tennessee River bridge, and exit to the right onto Hwy 67 (The Priceville exit) Go 2 1/2 and turn left into the Wheeler NWR road. Coming from this direction can be tricky at night, as there are no lights by where you turn into the Wheeler NWR road. A hint: After you've gone about two miles you'll not have a median in the middle of the highway; but as soon as you see a median turning into a turning lane, get in it...you're just about there!

See the map below.