Mingo Swamp and Duck Creek WA lie in the old Mississippi River flood plain.
When the river broke through Thebes Gap, it traversed a new channel and left this low area isolated from its new flood plain by several miles.
Attempts at draining at the beginning of the 20th century were a failure and eventually the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and the MDC (Missouri Department of Conservation) purchased the respective.
The areas comprised of mainly southern swamp, marsh and bottomland hardwood forest provides refuge for many unusual species in Missouri as well as a flyway stopover for migrating birds.
Mammals, fish, plants and insects are also very abundant.
Duck Creek is more open swamp and is managed mainly for hunting and fishing, while Mingo is a wildlife refuge managed for all living things within its borders.
Getting To Mingo Swamp From St. Louis
From US Hwy 60 in Poplar Bluff travel east 14 miles to Hwy 51. Take 51 north at Fisk Drive for 13.5 miles. The entrance to Mingo is one mile north of Puxico on the west side of the highway.
Contact: Mingo Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, (573)222-3589.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web Site