Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Established in 1990, Eleven Point National Wildlife Refuge spans over 26,000 acres in southern Missouri and preserves critical bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and the free-flowing Eleven Point River, a National Wild and Scenic River. The refuge encompasses part of the Ozark Highlands, featuring rugged bluffs, steep ridges, and lush floodplain forests that support an impressive diversity of plant and animal life. This area is an important habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, river otters, beavers, and several threatened or endangered species including the Indiana bat and the Ozark cavefish. Visitors often come to explore the wilderness qualities of this landscape through hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and fishing. The river itself is popular for flatwater paddling, with scenic views of natural bluffs, deep pools, and striking rock formations. Access remains limited with primitive roads and few developed facilities, contributing to the refuge's remote feel and natural solitude. Its location adjacent to the Mark Twain National Forest adds to the extensive public lands in the region. The Eleven Point National Wildlife Refuge offers a refuge for wildlife and a quiet retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less trafficked areas within Missouri’s rich natural heritage.
