Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Center
4.7(1.3K)google
4.7(17)yelp
WetlandBird WatchingWildlife WatchingEducationalFamilyVisitor Center
Overview
Situated where the rushing Bear River empties into the northern edge of the Great Salt Lake near Brigham City, this massive 80,000-acre wildlife sanctuary is a critical oasis for millions of migratory waterfowl. The modern education center features interactive marsh ecosystem exhibits, while a spectacular 12-mile scenic driving loop allows visitors to safely view and photograph spectacular flocks of pelicans, swans, and herons in native wetlands.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeMagnificent during the spring migratory bird waves (April to May) or October. Hit the refuge's core 12-mile Auto Tour route early between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM; morning desert mist rolling over the marshgrass as the rising sun paints thousands of nesting pelicans and American avocados creates world-class wildlife photography.
Getting ThereSituated in the wetlands west of Brigham City at 2155 W Forest Street. Driving is effortless: from I-15, take Exit 363 for Forest Street and drive due west for 12 miles straight into the wilderness flats. The wildlife refuge education pavilion features an enormous, free paved surface asphalt parking plaza right at the gate.
Travel Tips
- Stay Inside Vehicle on Auto Tour: The 12-mile Auto Tour Loop has dangerous deep marsh margins; visitors must remain inside their vehicles at all times except at designated wildlife platforms.
- Heavy-Duty Bug Spray Essential: Wetland conditions spark immense mosquito and midge hatches in spring and summer; high-concentration DEET or Picaridin repellents are absolutely mandatory.
- Winter Ice Closures & No Towing: The gravel auto loop may close without notice due to severe drifting snow and sheet ice; no towing infrastructure exists inside the loop.
Reviews
Positive
- The 12-mile Auto Tour Route is a work of genius, allowing close-up views of thousands of pelicans and ibises; highly fun and visually stunning.
- The education center is highly modern with total accessibility; interactive multimedia halls and massive viewing windows offer great convenience.
- Completely free entry! Admission to both the center and auto loop costs zero, gift shop spending is fair, and value is incredible with no traps.
- It preserves the purest pristine wetland peace; crowd density is well-controlled, and staff and volunteers run the site with high expertise.
Heads up
- The 12-mile auto loop is entirely gravel dirt; windy or rainy days turn it muddy and bumpy, spiking car wash and tire flat risks.
- Summer and autumn bring horrifying swarms of mosquitoes and midges; without heavy-duty bug spray, the experience turns into absolute torture.
- The location is far from Brigham City center with zero public transit, and the approach lacks prominent signs, causing first-timers to miss turns.
- The auto route features absolutely no restrooms, shade shelters, or bins; once driven inside, you must endure 1 hour without toilet access.