Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Jodi Kellis

What's not to love about a National Wildlife Refuge!! The Wildlife drive is outstanding. You can see so many types of birds. The more patient you are, the more you see. The Scrub Jay trail is the same. You can see that elusive Scrub Jay if you take your time. And it is so worth it. He is gorgeous. And the manatees are special.

L M

Love Love Love this place! If you're a birder or just love nature, this is the place for you! Birds, Gators, Lizards, flowers, trees and clean, clear water💙

sherry harms

We didn't go through but will. We stopped to get directions to the manatee observation area. They gave us a map with directions. Saw two manatee and a couple dolphin playing at the cove. Will go back for the wildlife tour for sure. Knowledgeable staff

Jaclyn Williams

For those of you that would like a short description : easy to access from the main road, admission is $10 per vehicle however I came on a fee-free day, I'm assuming because it was raining. The path through the park is pleasant, and easy to navigate. There is a short(1/4 mile) walking path to be able to enjoy a bit of scenery on foot as well. Restrooms about halfway through the self guided driving tour. This attraction is a bit off the beaten path, but is on the route to other attractions in the area. Overall if you are a nature lover this is a fantastic addition to any vacation or safe trip through the Space Coast Area. I would definitely recommend this attraction, a fully immersed experience of nature within the comfort of your own vehicle. When you arrive at the entrance to this expansive wetland preserve, there is an informational covered display area with plenty of leaflets provided to ensure you are able to know how to best enjoy this beautiful area. The well-maintained gravel path that meanders through this large area of wetlands enables pretty much any vehicle to find it easy to get around. The total trip through the National Wildlife Refuge can take as little as 30-40 minutes. Drivers are encouraged to maintain a slow speed and respectful of the various fauna that may cross the gravel path. You are free to stop along the way as often as you would like among the 12 different stops along the self-guided tour. There are also plenty of other scenic detours and extras to enjoy in addition to these stops. There are also many informational placards scattered throughout the park to provide a more detailed snapshot of what you would commonly experience in this beautiful Bastion of nature. It is very accessible and the stops are spaced out enough so you can enjoy the scenery while progressing through the Park. Also the availability of brochures at the entrance to the Nature Preserve was quite refreshing as there is a variety a flora and fauna to experience. There is a hiking trail about a third of the way through the Nature Preserve that allows the bird Aficionado to enjoy spectacles rarely seen outside such a pristine Sanctuary for nature to spread its wings, if you will. there are a set of brick-and-mortar individual restrooms accessible for the end of the self-guided tour. As well as a couple of porta-potties in case attendance is heavy on any particular day. This is a must-see for any nature lover as you really are fully immersed in the scenery and wander that abounds in this Wetlands Preserve. There are few opportunities of this magnitude that are available to experience the typical flora and fauna that are native to Florida.