Discover Turrell: Wapanocca Lake and Local History

Turrell offers two distinct focal points for planning your trip: the natural setting of Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge and the town’s history. Wapanocca Lake is near Turrell in Crittenden County and within the Refuge. Nature activities at the lake and local history can be considered as separate topics.

Wapanocca Lake and Refuge

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge was established in January 1961 as a sanctuary for migrating waterfowl. Its forests form an island amid agricultural land. Wapanocca Lake is a 600-acre reservoir within the Refuge. The lake and the Refuge represent two different scales: a single body of water and a larger, forested natural area.

Activities and Their Conditions

Recreational kayaking is possible on the lake. Fishing is permitted only during daylight hours from March 1 through November 30. Seasonal dates may be updated by Refuge regulations, so check the current rules before your trip if you plan to fish. The 1.75-mile Cypress Discovery Canoe Trail is also located in the Refuge. The activities differ in their planning requirements: fishing depends on both the season and daylight hours, while the canoe trail’s length gives you a specific distance to plan for.

Visitor Information

The Refuge has an observation platform and a boat ramp. The visitor center is located at 178 Hammond Avenue in Turrell. The visitor contact station and office are currently closed during business hours. This closure does not affect access to the auto tour route, trails, or outdoor recreation opportunities. Since operating information may change, check it again before your trip.

Town History

Turrell emerged in the 1880s around lumber operations owned by Fletcher E. Turrell. The Baker Lumber Company also operated a sawmill in Turrell. The Baker Hotel was a social hub of early Turrell. The town’s early history thus connects the lumber industry with social life. A specific historic landmark is Old Turrell City Hall at 160 Eureka Street; the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Travel to the town in earlier times is also part of its history: historically, visitors had to reach Turrell by train because there were no suitable roads in this part of Crittenden County.

Events and Parks

Turrell hosts outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, and sporting competitions. If a concert or competition is a deciding factor for your travel dates, check the relevant dates before booking. This can help you plan your stay around a specific event. Groups and residents can reserve Turrell’s parks for family reunions, group celebrations, picnics, meetings, or other events. For gatherings you organize yourself, these reservations are a separate planning consideration alongside municipal events.

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