Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

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Wildlife refuge · Southeast · 69 mi away

A former proving ground opened on limited days: Indiana's largest grassland bird refuge.

GrasslandOak savannaStream

Map

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38.9375, -85.4361

38.9375, -85.4361 · pinch or scroll to zoomDirections

Plan your visit

HoursSunrise to sunset · open now

Fee$3 day pass

Best seasonsApril to October, with peak colour in mid-October

ParkingMain lot at the entrance or visitor contact station

EntrancesMain entrance at Madison

RestroomsYes

PetsNo pets

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms near main parking, Paved or firm-surface route available

AmenitiesPermit office, Auto tour route, Fishing lakes

Official infoWebsite

Trails

Easy gravelOld Timbers Lake Route · 3 mi

EasyGrassland Overlook · 0.5 mi

Likely to see hereGuide

Challenges here

Visit three Indiana nature preserves

Check in at three curated destinations. No continuous tracking is ever used.

A time-limited challenge that follows the wave north through Indiana.

Offline pack

Map, trails and species list

22 MB · not downloaded

Safety and etiquette

Check seasonal closures and weather before you set out.

Ticks and poison ivy are common off-trail.

Stay on trail, keep your distance, and take only notes and photographs. If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Reviewed July 2026