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Wildlife refuge · Titusville, Florida
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
A federal wildlife refuge that shares Merritt Island with the Kennedy Space Center, featuring lagoons, mangroves and more than 300 bird species. The Black Point Wildlife Drive dirt road and the manatee viewing platform at the Haulover Canal are the most popular spots.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge was established in 1963 on land purchased by NASA for the space program, which left most of the area as protected habitat. It covers about 57,000 hectares of lagoons, mangroves, coastal scrub and saltwater marshes on Merritt Island, opposite Titusville, with the launch towers in the background.
Some 330 bird species have been recorded, and many migratory waterbirds arrive in winter. The Black Point Wildlife Drive, a one-way dirt road of about 11 km, lets you watch herons, roseate spoonbills and alligators from your car, with stops at overlooks. At the northern end of the refuge, a boardwalk by the Haulover Canal bridge is a usual spot to see manatees.
The visitor center has exhibits and short trails. Because the area is part of the space complex, NASA may close parts of the refuge on days near launches.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 2 hours to half a day.
Best time
From November to March, when migratory birds arrive; early morning or late afternoon, when animals are usually more active.
How to get there
From downtown Titusville, cross the Indian River on State Road 406 to Merritt Island; the Black Point Wildlife Drive starts soon after. Access is by car.
Tip
Check for scheduled launches before you go: parts of the refuge may be closed on days near launches.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
What to see at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterbirds, alligators and, at the Haulover Canal, manatees. The Black Point Wildlife Drive is the most popular route.
Does the refuge close on launch days?
NASA may restrict access to parts of the refuge on days near launches; check before you go.
What is the best time to see birds at Merritt Island?
From November to March, when migratory birds arrive.