Facility Activities
Things to Do
If you have 15 minutes....
- Stop by the Ankeny Hill Nature Center for some information and grab an English or Spanish trails brochure. Take a look at the hummingbird feeder and native plants in the Pollinator Patch to observe Anna's and Rufous hummingbirds. In the Winter enjoy the view of Peregrine Marsh from the David B. Marshall Outdoor Classroom to see Mallards, a flock of dusky Canada goose, Red-winged blackbirds, and other waterfowl.
If you have one hour....
- Go on a hike or go birding! Ankeny has several miles of trails and is one of the most popular locations for birders to see migratory birds, especially in the Spring and Winter.
If you have half a day or more....
- Drive around the Refuge and explore the trails and viewpoints. The Refuge is bordered by Ankeny Hill Road, Wintel Road, and Buena Vista Road, making it easy for folks to explore the different native habitats on the Refuge. See the map to plan your adventure!
Know Before You Go
Prepare for your visit by packing supplies in a bag. The following suggested items will keep you comfortable and safe when you’re outside:
- Jacket
- Full water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Closed-toe shoes
- Cell phone
You might also want:
- Backpack
- Bug spray
- Personal medications
- Binoculars
- Portable first aid kit
- Sunglasses
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge provides a plethora of different public use activities. From hiking to nature photography, there is plenty to do, and just off Interstate-5 too!
Wildlife Viewing
If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to your nearest national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge ! At Ankeny wildlife viewing opportunities range from the stately great blue heron, to chittering western gray squirrels and kreck-ek-ing pacific chorus frogs.
Interpretation
For interpretive experiences at Ankeny NWR, check out , the Eagle Marsh Kiosk, Rail Trail Boardwalk, or the Pintail & Egret Marsh Boardwalk.
Ankeny Hill Nature Center (AHNC)
Did you know Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge partners with the Salem Audubon Society and the Friends of the WVNWRC to operate a Nature Center at Ankeny Hill? The Ankeny Hill Nature Center is 25 acres and includes two accessible trails, a Nature Explore Area, education nodes, Oak Overlook, Volunteer Basecamp and that's just the 1st Phase! The building, Gehlar Hall, is an indoor and outdoor classroom. In the summer of 2024, the Dave Marshall Outdoor Classroom wias built. The is dedicated to being as inclusive and accessible as possible. Visit anytime from dawn to dusk! It's always free.
Recreational Opportunities
With the passage of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act in 1997, six wildlife-dependent recreational activities are often managed on refuges as long as they are determined to be compatible, legitimate and appropriate public uses of the refuge. Wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation are often referred to as the "big six". Ankeny offers four of the big six, including environmental education and interpretation programs, great wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.