Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

08/25/2026

Notice: The Big Timber Access will be closed for work until tomorrow morning. The boat ramp will then remain open for a few weeks until it will be temporarily closed again for improvements to the parking lot.

05/22/2026

(202/250) The northern water snake is a nonvenomous reptile found near freshwater across much of eastern and central North America. As temperatures rise, they emerge from winter denning sites to find mates. In late summer, females will give birth to live litters of 20-25 young.



Photo by Erin Huggins/USFWS

05/22/2026

UPDATE: The Louisa boat ramp remains under repair, and the inlet is now open. If you visit the refuge to fish the inlet, please give contractors working on the boat ramp plenty of space and avoid parking near the work area.

NOTICE: The Louisa Access boat ramp will be closed for 1-2 weeks for repairs. The parking lot will remain open. If you choose to park here for birding, fishing or other activities, then please give the contractors working on the boat ramp plenty of space.

05/14/2026

NOTICE: The Louisa Access boat ramp will be closed for 1-2 weeks for repairs. The parking lot will remain open. If you choose to park here for birding, fishing or other activities, then please give the contractors working on the boat ramp plenty of space.

05/12/2026

Repairs have been made to the outdoor restrooms at the Visitor's Center, and they are now open for the season. Thank you for your patience while this amenity was unavailable.

05/04/2026

UPDATE: River levels have recovered, and the Big Timber Access has been reopened.

04/13/2026

The timing. The accuracy. The commitment to crossing directly in front of the turtle crossing sign.

Here are some ways you can help turtles as they become more active near roadways.

🐢Slow down in areas where turtles live

🐢If you have to stop and help a turtle cross a road, make sure to prioritize your safety first

🐢If it needs help, move it in the direction it was already going

🐢A car mat works great for moving turtles

🐢Don't pick up a turtle by the tail. That is how you injure a turtle and immediately regret your choices

🐢Snapping turtles have very long necks and a very short temper. Hands near the back of the shell only. Respect the business end

Every turtle you help across the road is one more chance for the next generation to exist. Check out the comments to see our full list of tips on helping turtles.

Photo of a turtle crossing a road at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Photo by L. Bryant/USFWS

04/09/2026

NOTICE: Due to high water conditions on the Mississippi River, the Big Timber Access is closed.