The 21,592-acre refuge lies in a basin formed in an ancient channel of the Mississippi River. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society as the refuge supports bird species and habitats that are of conservation priority.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge includes the 7,730-acre Mingo Wilderness Area, designated as Wilderness by the U.S. Congress in 1976. Hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and wildlife photography are encouraged in the Wilderness Area; it is the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwood forest in Missouri.
Motorized recreational activities are prohibited inside the Mingo Wilderness Area; however, motorized traffic is allowed on non-wilderness corridor roads, alongside a network of waterways.
Hiking, backpacking, fishing, wildlife observation, environmental education and interpretation are allowed, as well as biological research as approved through refuge management.
Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Call or see the website for hours and entry costs.