Upper Mississippi River NWR
About Upper Mississippi River NWR
The Iowa district of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge spans the bluffs and backwaters of the Mississippi River from the Wisconsin border south through Clayton and Dubuque counties. The Mississippi Flyway channels millions of migrating birds through this corridor each spring and fall, and the concentration of bald eagles along open sections of the river in winter is among the most accessible in the country. Bluffside overlooks in Allamakee County offer sweeping views over the river valley.
Species to look for
- Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
- Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
- Canvasback Aythya valisineria
- American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Photographer notes
Lock and Dam 9 near Harpers Ferry is a reliable eagle concentration point in winter — open water below the dam holds fish year-round, and eagles work it heavily December through February. Pikes Peak State Park overlook (1,000 feet above the river) offers wide-angle landscape shots of the valley. For waterfowl, the backwater sloughs accessible by canoe or kayak in fall hold canvasback and tundra swans in numbers. Morning light comes from the east over the Wisconsin bluffs.
Getting there
The Iowa portion of the refuge is most accessible from Harpers Ferry (Lock and Dam 9), Marquette, and McGregor. US-18 and IA-76 follow the bluffs. Multiple boat launches, overlooks, and hiking trails throughout Allamakee and Clayton counties. No refuge headquarters on the Iowa side — the Wisconsin district office handles inquiries.
Map
Ethics and responsible access
Eagle concentration areas near open water in winter are critical feeding habitat. Observe from overlooks and roads rather than approaching the riverbank on foot. Many backwater areas have seasonal closures for waterfowl and eagle protection — check USFWS signage before entering.