MONTEZUMA WILDLIFE REFUGE

Start your day at the Visitor Center, open beginning of April to the beginning of December (weather permitting), where an array of educational materials, including taxidermy representations of animals that can be seen in the refuge, maps, brochures and more are provided along with knowledgable volunteers to answer any questions.If the visitor center is closed, information is always available in the attached sun room. There is also a gift shop, the proceeds from which go directly back into Montezuma’s conservation and educational programming.

For the full list of rules, regulations, hours of operations, maps and other visiting informations, see their visitor’s guide.

PRO TIP: Check out their interactive map before you go.

Explore the area via Automobile tour on the 3.5-mile driving loop, the center’s most popular attraction. You will drive one-way along the edge of the Main Pool where you can observe many wildlife, depending on the season you go. The Wildlife Drive ends on State Route 89, where you can access other viewing areas like the North Spring Pool, Tschache Pool, May’s Point Pool, Knox-Marselluls Overlook. Taking Route NY-89 north will bring you to Savannah, NY, where you can visit the refuge’s Sandhill Crane Unit, as well as the Montezuma Audubon Center and the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. The Wild Life Drive is closed during the winter, however you can still walk, cross country ski or snow shoe on their nature trails. 

Other overlooks, kiosks, viewing towers and platforms can be found on the maps provided at the visitor center.  Guided tours and shorebird walks are also available and great for the whole family. Contact the center for more information.Self Guided cell phone tours are another option if you are feeling adventurous. See their list of trails here.