Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Once a free-flowing river, the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-12 turned this area into the lake and wooded swamp environment that exists today. The lake is shallow with an average depth of three feet and is bordered by a virgin cypress-tupelo swamp. It offers excellent nature watching year-round and annually winters several species of waterfowl. Wood ducks are year-round residents and annually raise approximately 2,500 young in natural cavities and nest boxes. Other wildlife to look for are beavers, otters, raccoons, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, bobcat and the occasional armadillo. Some 5,000 acres of the refuge are designated a National Natural Landmark, and another 2,100 acres are designated as part of the Wilderness Preservation System. Additionally, it was named in 2001 as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy.

A Visitors Center on Highway 18 in Manila has interpretive exhibits, a small museum, and a scenic overlook.