Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion

About

Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion is situated on a small peninsula in the south central portion of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, one of the top ten most visited refuges in the nation. The pavilion offers groups a secluded lakefront location with excellent opportunities to observe numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, along with stunning views of sunrises and sunsets over Devils Kitchen Lake. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge spans 44,000 acres near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, making it an ideal migration haven for thousands of waterfowl and other birds traveling the Mississippi Flyway. The refuge features diverse habitats including lakes, ponds, creeks, wetlands, grasslands, and forested areas. Devils Kitchen Lake, located on the refuge's more solitary south side, offers a pristine setting with rocky bluffs, hiking trails including the Rocky Bluff Trail, and a sense of remoteness despite towns being within 30 minutes. The refuge provides numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, wildlife observation, photography, and access to trails. The River-to-River trail runs through the southern portion of the refuge. Visitors may gather fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms by hand for personal use, but collecting animal specimens, rocks, or objects of antiquity is prohibited.

Directions

From I-57, take exit 54B onto IL-13W toward Carbondale for 3.6 miles. Turn left onto IL-148 and travel south 1.6 miles to the refuge visitor center. From there, follow signs to Devils Kitchen Lake and the Group Pavilion.