Jackass Bend Unit, Big Muddy National Wildlife RefugeThe Jackass Bend Unit of Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge is located within both Ray County and Jackson County, Missouri. The area lies almost completely within a bend of the Missouri river that holds a shallow body of water whenever there is heavy rainfall or a high flow of water down the river. The area is accessible by boat and is near Fort Osage, a National Historic Landmark. There is also a small parking area and information kiosk within the unit. Visitors can enjoy observing nature and wildlife along the river, bird watching, hiking, fishing or hunting. The interesting name for this unit came about over a century ago when a team of mules that were trying to cross this portion of the river were swept away. |