Things to Do!

Experiencing the Refuge by Car or Bicycle

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is easily accessible by the county roads surrounding it. There are bike racks at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center. The route around the Refuge is so scenic that there are bike tours annually. Please follow posted speed limit signs and share the road with cyclists.

There are pull-outs at various wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the Refuge. An observation platform overlooks Eagle Marsh and there is a long boardwalk trail with a blind at Rail Trail.

The Ankeny Refuge trails brochure has a map on the inside. Pick up a copy at The Center or from any information kiosks.

Bicycling

Biking is a popular sport and riders frequently tour the perimeter of the Refuge. Bicycling is permitted only on county and state roads, not on the Refuge. Bicycles can park their bikes and then access the Refuge on foot and according to the posted rules and regulations. There are bike racks at The Center.

Hiking Trails

There are two nested trails that start and end at Mark Gehlar Hall. All are accessible (ABA) for people with mobility concerns. The inner trail extends from the outdoor classroom, out around the Nature Explore Area to the Oak Overlook, the first node along the outer trail.

Picnicking

The Mark Gehlar Outdoor Classroom doubles as an outdoor eating area when not reserved and/or in use. Use of the space is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please pack out your trash.

Wildlife Observation & Photography

The refuge abounds with wildlife viewing opportunities. A bird checklist is available at kiosks. Hiking trails and the auto tour route allow quick access to scenic areas.

Prairie Community Restoration Area

Habitat restoration of the area immediately surrounding The Center is 23 acres in size and planted with a mix of native plants. Over time, students, volunteers, and staff will work to reclaim this former farm ground and transform it back to its roots: a native Willamette upland prairie. Eventually, Oregon white oaks will be planted within the prairie, restoring it back to oak savanna.

Oak Overlook

This is the first educational node along the trail system. Sit and take in the view!

The overall experience will be similar to that of an actual oak tree: pavers mimic tree rings, and there is information about the rare and important oak savanna habitat type, both historically and now.

Nature Explore Area

This outdoor space is designed for play using natural elements such as logs, sticks, mud, plants, and rocks. These components represent the larger wild environment at the Refuge in a way that feels safe and manageable to young visitors and their parents while inviting imaginative and explorative play.

This area also serves as a natural gathering place as families and groups unload in the parking lot and are searching for a safe place to convene. Located within the inner trail loop, this area is strategically placed so that parents and guardians can walk the outer loop on their own and yet always keep an eye on children in the center.

Volunteer Basecamp

The Volunteer Basecamp is a building provided for volunteers who help maintain the AHNC and Refuge. This building houses lockers, maintenance equipment, and tools, a gathering space for volunteers.

Information Kiosk

Adjacent to Ankeny Hill Nature Center is an information kiosk with information about Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge and The Center. Pick up a brochure for your adventures.

Features of the Nature Center

Nature Center Building (Mark Gehlar Hall)

Mark Gehlar Hall includes an indoor classroom, a covered outdoor learning space, an outdoor laboratory space, two storage areas, and an entryway designed to welcome visitors coming off of a bus or off the trails, complete with spaces for raincoats and rubber boots.

•  Indoor Classroom – This space has large custom live-edge tables that originated from the Oregon white oak tree whose stump sits just outside the Nature Center. They are on wheels allowing configuration to meet a group’s needs. The chairs can be stacked and put away in the Supply Room.

• Outdoor Classroom – The Outdoor classroom portion of Mark Gehlar Hall has four round picnic tables with benches attached. Behind the roll-up door is a laboratory space complete with cabinetry and a sink.

•  Office and Supply Room – The Supply Room has shelves full of environmental education resources, curriculum kits, and supplies.

•  Outdoor Storage Area – The outdoor storage area is accessed through the outdoor classroom.

• Restrooms – There are two restrooms located on the outside of the building. Both are considered accessible to all populations. Keep in mind that the restrooms are available for public use, which means that when Mark Gehlar Hall is being used for events, the restrooms are still shared with the general public.

Trail System

There are two trails surrounding the Ankeny Hill Nature Center. All are accessible (ABA) for people with mobility concerns. The inner trail extends from the outdoor classroom, out around the Nature Discovery Area to the Oak Overlook. The first educational node is along the outer trail (~750’ one way). The outer loop goes down to the riparian area, past Peregrine Marsh, and back up to Gehlar Hall. The outer trail length is 0.75 miles (round trip). 

Maps of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge area can be viewed here. REFUGE MAPS

Rules and Regulations

You can do lots of fun, interesting, and educational things on the refuge.  Keep in mind that if an activity is not wildlife-related and doesn’t help protect or understand wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity.  Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself.  There are plenty of activities on Ankeny for you to enjoy.  Be safe and have fun!

Pets

For pet and wildlife safety, dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted outside of vehicles anywhere on the refuge. 

Motor Vehicles and Bicycles

Motor vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on the roads open to public vehicle access. Bicycling is prohibited on all trails. Please park only in designated areas.  

Drone Flights

Use of drones or other unmanned flight tools is not allowed over Ankeny Hill National Wildlife Refuge, including the Nature Center, unless the pilot has been issued a permit by the regional US Fish & Wildlife Service office.

Prohibited Activities

Jogging, camping, fires, horseback riding, ATV or ORV use, and cross-country skiing are not allowed on the Refuge. Collecting historical objects or artifacts, rocks, stones, or mineral specimens is not permitted. Collecting animals, plants or their parts, such as antlers, berries or mushrooms, is prohibited. 

Firearms

Firearms and other weapons are prohibited except as authorized by state law. Firearms are not allowed inside Federal Buildings. Consult the refuge office for further information.