Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge was established to manage the upper third of Reelfoot Lake as a refuge for migratory birds. Reelfoot is a wintering ground for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles.

The refuge is located within four miles of the Mississippi River in rural northwest Tennessee, about 35 miles north of the city of Dyersburg and 15 miles southwest of Union City.  It encompasses part of Lake and Obion counties in Tennessee and extends northward into Fulton County, Kentucky.

Reelfoot NWR is a hotspot for birders.  Between the Wildlife Drive and the 2 viewing towers on the Refuge, birds are seen throughout the year.  Bald Eagles can be viewed daily in January and February, as we offer free Eagle Tours to the public.  Waterfowl, such as mallards, gadwalls, widgeons, pintail, northern shovelers, blue and green-winged teal, are seen from the viewing tower at Long Point during winter months.  The American White Pelican can be easily seen in Oct-Dec on Reelfoot Lake.  A wide variety of songbirds are seen during the spring months.