Mingo Wilderness is an 8,000-acre federally protected wilderness area in southeastern Missouri within the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. Established under the Wilderness Act of 1964, it is managed to remain primitive and undeveloped, with access limited to foot travel and nonmotorized boats. Recreation centers on low-impact activities such as fishing, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife observation, though there are no established hiking trails and motorized boats are not allowed. The area is especially valued for viewing deer, wild turkey, raccoon, migratory birds, and other wildlife. It also serves environmental education, while a weekend auto tour around its perimeter offers seasonal access to its edges.