The Ohio River Scenic Byway has been a historic travel route and an important stop on the Underground Railroad along its three states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The river also presents bird watchers with plenty of outstanding opportunities to get a first-hand vantage point of the region’s bird life.
Located along Highway 52 and throughout 400 miles of the Ohio River in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers bird enthusiasts with chances to witness the rare Snow Goose and Mute Swan. Listen to the distinct Red-throated Loon and Black-billed Cuckoo. Explore the refuge’s marshes to find the Short-billed Dowitcher.
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, which is just a few miles from the byway in southern Indiana, offers a wide variety of North American birds. Investigate the refuge’s grasslands and forests to get an up-close view of the Henslow's Sparrow, Cerulean Warbler, and the Worm-eating Warbler.
The 500-acre War Bluff Valley Sanctuary, also located along the byway in southeastern Illinois, provides a home to numerous North American birds. Enjoy the playful song of the Carolina Wren and Song Sparrow, and while prospecting the sanctuary’s grasslands make sure to not miss the distinctive Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Located in southern Illinois, the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990, and is part of a unique effort to restore and manage 60,000 acres along a 50-mile stretch of the Cache River. Hike and observe wildlife in the refuge’s forested region, or canoe and fish in the wetlands and marshes.
The Ohio River Scenic Byway is an important part of America’s past. Today, it presents visitors with an unprecedented opportunity to see and hear an impressive array of birds in their natural habitats.
A Scholarly Trip along the Ohio River Scenic Byway
History Flows Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway