Best Wildlife Photography Places In The Midwest

Here is our list of the best wildlife places in the Midwest. If you're looking to book wildlife photography travel then don't miss these amazing locations in the heart of the US.

Midwest Wildlife Photography Locations

The US is a massive country. Too, the area between the two continental defining mountain ranges, also known as the Midwest, is also incredibly large. That said, many define the Midwest as the slightly smaller space west of the Ohio River, North of the Southern states, and only extending to the borders with the mountain states from Montana to Colorado. For our purposes, we're going to use this smaller range.

So, if you're visiting the US for wildlife photography, or you're in the US and looking to travel then this list can guide you to the best places for wildlife photography.

About This List

This list is just some of our favorites. As such, if you've got favorite places for great wildlife photography in the Midwest please send them our way so we can add them to this list. Too, here is a secret for finding great hidden wildlife photography locations!

Dividing The Midwest

Because even this smaller definition of the Midwest is still so big it makes sense to divide it still. Therefore, we're going to divide it into two smaller chunks divided roughly by the Mississippi River.

Great Lake States Wildlife Photography Places

The first chunk of the Midwest we're going to tackle is the Great Lakes Region. This area runs from the Ohio River to the Mississippi. You can find incredible wildlife photography opportunities. Here are our biggest recommendations.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Let's kick this list off in Ohio in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. One of the eastern Midwest's great places to see birds and small mammals. Another thing I really love about this place is the scenery. Of course, you're looking for wildlife, but capturing it in a beautiful place is always nice as well.

Seney Wildlife Refuge

This is by far my favorite place on this list in the eastern Midwest. Seney Wildlife Refuge in Michigan has moose, river otter, and black bears. Michigan is probably my favorite state in this part of the country. It offers so many chances to do amazing wildlife photography.

Necedah NWR

If you're looking for wolves, whooping cranes, and loads of birds then Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin is the place to be. This glacial carved landscape creates shallow lakes and marshes. As a result, it's packed with great wildlife photography opportunities.

Crab Orchard NWR

If you're in Southern Illinois or looking to visit then head to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Here you'll get quintessential American wildlife. In fact, the area is teaming with white-tail deer, wild turkey, and coyote. It's also a great bird photography spot.

The Great Plains Wildlife Photography Places

Beyond the Mississippi are the Great Plains. Here there are some very special locations that you'll want to explore. In fact, it includes my number one recommendation.

Rowe Sanctuary Gathering Of Cranes

If I had to choose only one place on this list to visit it would be the Rowe Sanctuary. In the Spring Rowe welcomes a massive gathering of Sandhill Cranes who roost along the Platte River in Nebraska. Watch this video below from Explore.org.

Neil Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Iowa is home to the Neil Smith National Wildlife Refuge. It's home to bison and elk making it an ideal location to photograph these beautiful large mammals. Additionally, the refuge is home to loads of song birds and visited by migratory birds in warmer months. Another great feature of the Neil Smith NWR is it's proximity to Des Moines making travel easier.

Badlands National Park

South Dakota is home to Badlands National Park. Too, it's another great place for photographing buffalo. However, that's not the only great wildlife photography opportunities this place has to offer. In fact, there are also Big Horne Sheep and one of my favorite critters - prairie dogs. Finally, it's also a beautiful place that will inspire you to do a bit of landscape photography in addition to your wildlife photography.

The Right Gear For Midwest Wildlife Photography

I've shared a number of articles here on the right gear for wildlife photography. So, if you want to get the best photos of the places on this list have a look.

Tripods

Here is my recommendation for tripods for getting great wildlife photos. The article says that they're best for landscape photography. However, when paired with a great gimble head they're equally great for wildlife photography.

Wildlife Photography Lenses

I still need to write a guide for specific lenses. That said, I highly recommend the Sigma 150-600 for affordable wildlife photography reach. Of course, if you're looking to rent glass then getting a faster fixed 500mm is a great idea. Here is an article to help you pick out great wildlife photography lenses.

Wildlife Photography Cameras

It's no secret that I love the Nikon D850 DSLR. In fact, my review of it is my most watched video on my Youtube channel. That said, there are a lot of other options out there. So, if you're a Canon, Sony, or other camera user I recommend asking wildlife photography specialists who know those systems.

Wildlife Photography Tips

Here our tips for finding wildlife photography near you. Plus, watch this video for 3 great times to improve your wildlife photography.

The Best Wildlife Photos in the Midwest

 In conclusion, I hope this guide helps you to create the best wildlife photos in the Midwest. Of course, if you think we've missed any places for great wildlife photography in the Midwest let us know. Plus, if you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them. So, reach out via our contact form.