Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge is located along the east side of the Illinois River in Cass and Morgan counties, about 50 miles west of Springfield, IL. It is positioned in the upper end of the Alton navigation pool in an area that was historically known for its ability to sustain fish and wildlife. Land management programs are designed and administered to promote migratory bird, fish, and resident wildlife habitat in the Illinois River basin, while providing increased public recreation and educational opportunities. When acquisition is complete, the refuge will include a combination of high quality backwater lake, bottomland forest, upland forest, prairie, seasonal wetland, and permanent marsh habitat. As a functioning floodplain wetland complex, the refuge will play a vital role in perpetuating biological diversity in the Illinois River basin.

When complete, Meredosia Refuge will total 5,255 acres. At this time, 3,852 acres have been acquired. The refuge is part of the Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with headquarters at Chautauqua Refuge, in Havana, Illinois.