Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
A vast wetland sanctuary offering a 12-mile auto tour for incredible bird and wildlife viewing, plus educational exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak migration seasons
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Best Time
Peak migration seasons
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast wetland sanctuary offering a 12-mile auto tour for incredible bird and wildlife viewing, plus educational exhibits.
"A peaceful and beautiful place to visit — perfect for bird lovers and anyone who enjoys nature."
🚗 Drive the Auto Tour
The 12-mile loop is a must-do for wildlife viewing. Go slow and keep your eyes peeled!
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting distant birds and appreciating the details of avian life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
12-Mile Auto Tour Loop
Refuge grounds
A scenic drive offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, essentially a bird safari.
+1
Visitor Center Exhibits
Entrance
Interactive displays, taxidermy, and a bird call exhibit make learning fun for all ages.
Wetland Ecosystem
Refuge grounds
Critical habitat for millions of migratory birds, showcasing diverse avian life in their natural environment.
Bird Identification
Trails and auto tour
Spot iconic species like pelicans, herons, avocets, and numerous duck varieties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bird Sightings
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Auto Tour
The 12-mile loop is a must-do for wildlife viewing. Go slow and keep your eyes peeled!
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting distant birds and appreciating the details of avian life.
🦟 Insect Repellent
Especially important in May to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
For exploring the accessible trails around the visitor center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Auto Tour
The 12-mile loop is a must-do for wildlife viewing. Go slow and keep your eyes peeled!
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting distant birds and appreciating the details of avian life.
🦟 Insect Repellent
Especially important in May to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
For exploring the accessible trails around the visitor center.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The refuge offers stunning scenery and incredible opportunities for wildlife photography.
🎒 Adventure Backpacks
Available for kids at the visitor center, complete with tools for exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for its abundant wildlife, especially the incredible variety of birds visible from the accessible auto tour. The visitor center is highlighted for its engaging exhibits and family-friendly activities, including Junior Ranger programs. It's considered a peaceful, beautiful, and free natural escape.
"This is one of the best visitor centers I've ever been to. The interactive exhibits, taxidermy, and movie theater are all top notch. The bird call exhibit is a favorite because you can memorize the calls before taking the 3km walk around the refuge. The walk itself is very accessible, paved and mowed so you can comfortably walk without worrying about ticks from the tall grasses.
Oh, and the gift shop and indoor toilets are amazing. Board games, high quality toys, and even a bird mural in the ladies '."
Ashley Guajardo
"It is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit — perfect for bird lovers and anyone who enjoys nature. The variety of birds you can spot here is incredible. We saw pelicans, herons, ducks, and so many others, all in their natural wetland habitat.
The auto tour route is an easy and relaxing drive with stunning views throughout.
It’s a great spot for photography, a quiet getaway, and a family outing. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and want to experience a unique part of Utah’s natural beauty."
Kelvina Chan
"This was such a great place to visit! We ran out of time and will definitely be back. The auto tour is open from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open from 8-4. In the visitor center, my kids were able to play bingo in the exhibit hall and were rewarded with a butterfly sticker. There was so much fun stuff to view in the exhibit hall. There is a theater that we did not have time to view. We were also able to check out adventure backpacks for the kids that contained different magnification viewers for bugs, 2 different kinds of nets, kids' binoculars, field identification guides, etc. Each child received their own booklet to complete, and after completing a number of activities, they were able to get a junior ranger badge. We spent almost an hour on the trail just watching the bugs and birds and trying to catch bugs to view and then release. They had so much fun! We will definitely be back!"
sarah dominguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The refuge is located near Brigham City, Utah. From I-15 North, take exit 363 for UT-13 N towards Bear River City. Turn right onto UT-83 N, and follow signs for the refuge. Finding the entrance can be a little challenging at first, so use GPS.
Public transportation options are limited. It is best to have your own vehicle to access and explore the refuge. The auto tour loop is a significant part of the experience.
The auto tour is a 12-mile loop that takes you through various wetland habitats. It's a self-guided experience, so you can stop at pull-offs to observe birds and scenery.
Yes, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a beautiful free park for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
The refuge offers a 12-mile auto tour loop, which is the primary way to see most of the wildlife. There are also accessible trails near the visitor center for closer exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The auto tour loop is open from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM.
No, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a free public park, making it an accessible destination for everyone interested in nature and birdwatching.
No advance booking or tickets are required to visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, as it is a free public access area.
The refuge is generally open to the public for wildlife viewing. Specific areas might have seasonal closures for hunting or conservation efforts, so it's good to check the official website if you have specific plans.
There is no cost to enter the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. It is a free wildlife refuge for visitors to enjoy.
🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience
Over 250 species of birds migrate through here annually. You can spot pelicans, herons, avocets, various duck species, and even Canada geese during banding season.
Activities include wildlife viewing via the auto tour, bird watching, photography, fishing, and hunting (with proper permits). The visitor center offers educational exhibits and programs.
Absolutely! The visitor center has interactive exhibits, and kids can participate in activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Adventure backpacks with tools for exploration are also available.
Dress in layers as weather can change. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the trails. Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months.
Yes, there are accessible, paved, and mowed trails near the visitor center. Be prepared for insects if you plan to spend extended time outside your vehicle, especially in May.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire 12-mile auto tour loop offers numerous pull-offs with excellent vantage points for wildlife and landscape photography. The wetlands themselves provide stunning backdrops.
Bird photography is a major draw, with opportunities to capture pelicans, herons, avocets, and various waterfowl. Mammals are also present.
Generally, no special permit is needed for personal photography. However, if you plan commercial photography or videography, it's advisable to check with the refuge management.
Early morning and late afternoon, known as the 'golden hours,' often provide the best light for photography and are when birds are most active.
Use a telephoto lens for birds, be patient, and respect the wildlife's space. The auto tour allows you to get close without disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to bring insect repellent, especially in May, and pack snacks. The sheer number of birds visible from the car on the auto tour will keep kids entertained for hours. It's an educational and engaging experience that fosters a love for nature.
📸 Photographers
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) provide the best light for stunning shots. Bring your telephoto lens for close-ups of birds and a wide-angle lens for the expansive wetland landscapes. Patience is key, as the most rewarding shots often come from observing the birds' natural behaviors.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Don't forget your binoculars and a field guide. The visitor center offers valuable information and exhibits to enhance your bird identification skills. The accessible trails provide opportunities for closer observation of smaller flora and fauna. Plan for at least a few hours to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Auto Tour: Your Wildlife Safari
+1Many visitors rave about the sheer abundance of birds visible from the car. From majestic Great Blue Herons to the unique feeding style of Avocets, the loop provides constant visual interest. It's a relaxed way to cover a lot of ground and see a wide array of species without extensive hiking. Remember to drive slowly and be patient; the best sightings often come when you least expect them.
Pro Tip: The auto tour is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing for early morning bird activity or dramatic sunset shots. Keep an eye out for signs indicating specific bird species or points of interest along the route.
Family Fun and Junior Rangers
For younger visitors, the refuge offers adventure backpacks filled with tools like magnifying viewers, nets, binoculars, and field guides. Completing activities in their booklets can earn children a Junior Ranger badge, making the visit both educational and rewarding. The accessible trails near the visitor center are also perfect for little legs to explore safely.
Beyond the visitor center, the auto tour provides a comfortable way for families to experience the refuge. Kids can enjoy spotting birds from the car, turning the drive into a fun game. The overall experience is designed to be engaging and memorable for all ages, fostering a love for nature.
Understanding Migratory Bird Conservation
Conservation efforts are ongoing, including bird banding initiatives. Biologists, often working with partners, band birds like Canada geese to study migration patterns, population health, and survival rates. This work, sometimes involving airboats, helps inform conservation strategies and protect these species for future generations.
+1It's important for visitors to be aware of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to possess migratory bird feathers without a permit. This law is in place to protect birds from exploitation and ensure their populations thrive.
Social
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