Discover Big Lake in the Land of Steel
Formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811, Big Lake in Mississippi County is home to both the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), offering trails, hunting, fishing and family fun in Northeast Arkansas.
About Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Where: 2274 Highway 18 Manila, AR 72442
Recognized as a globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy in 2001, the refuge hosts over 225 bird species, including more than 200,000 waterfowl during winter peak, and is home year-round to wood ducks, river otters, wild turkeys, deer and even bobcats.
Two trails invite visitors to walk through history and habitat. The Oak Island Trail meanders through towering cypress stands and wetlands, while the Champion Overcup Oak Trail leads to the largest Overcup Oak tree in Arkansas. Both trails are ideal for nature photography, wildlife watching and reflective strolls through a living, breathing ecosystem.
Bright’s Landing and Timm’s Point offer boat ramps and observation platforms perfect for fishing, birdwatching or simply enjoying the scenery. At Mud Island, an elevated observation deck makes for unbeatable eagle and waterfowl viewing, particularly in winter.
For a deeper dive into this vibrant habitat, visit the Refuge Visitor Center, where exhibits and friendly staff can walk you through Big Lake’s rich ecological story.
For Hunters: About Big Lake Wildlife Management Area
Where: Big Lake WMA is located about 15 miles west of Blytheville in Mississippi County, near the Arkansas-Missouri state line.
Adjoining the federal refuge, the Big Lake WMA, owned and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, is the largest public hunting area in far northeastern Arkansas. Spanning more than 12,000 acres, the WMA offers seasonal hunting opportunities for duck, deer, squirrel and rabbit, along with strategic waterfowl habitat enhancements. A free annual General Use Permit (WMP) is required to hunt or trap on WMAs. Permits are available online by clicking “Buy Licenses” at agfc.com or by calling 833-345-0325 or any regional office.
Flooded naturally via Ditch 28, the area is a model of gravity-fed waterfowl management.
Access: It’s accessible via Highways 181 and 18, with Manila just five miles west of the refuge headquarters. Hunters can access the area by gravel road atop the west levee, where boats are required beyond the 7-mile lateral. On the east side, Simmons Bridge allows walk-in access, while Bo Doc Landing offers primarily boat access. A boat ramp at Highway 18 provides launch access into the State Line Outlet Ditch, with roughly 12 miles of the eastern boundary accessible by boat.
Hunting Tip: Waterfowl season typically runs November through January—always check the latest regulations with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Whether you're casting a line, hiking among ancient oaks, photographing waterfowl or enjoying a quiet boat ride, Big Lake invites you to explore, unwind and reconnect.