Enjoying day off at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

As much as we love our time on the water sometimes it is nice to do something different. So the other day while thinking of what to do we realized we hadn’t visited the refuge in a while. Hopping in the car, making a quick stop for some cold bottles of water we were on our way. A short drive north we were at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in about 35 minutes. Our first stop was Black Point Wildlife Drive. Black Point is a seven mile, one way wildlife drive. Offering some great scenery as well as spots to get out for a hike. As it was Sunday the visitor center was closed but they do have a self pay station at the entrance to pay entry fee.

About the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) is a stunning 140,000-acre sanctuary located on the east coast of Florida. Just south of the Kennedy Space Center and about an hour’s drive from Orlando. The refuge was established in 1963 primarily to protect wildlife and habitats, It offers visitors a chance to explore diverse ecosystems, including saltwater estuaries, freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, and coastal dunes.

Key Features:

  1. Diverse Wildlife: The refuge is home to a wide range of species, including over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Animals such as the endangered West Indian Manatee, the threatened loggerhead sea turtle, and more than 300 species of birds. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons when species like bald eagles and roseate spoonbills pass through.
  2. NASA and Space Coast Connection: The refuge sits adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center, and while the area is mostly known for wildlife, it’s also linked to space exploration. The land is managed in part to ensure that the space program and environmental conservation can coexist. Sometimes, visitors can witness rocket launches from certain areas within the refuge.
  3. Visitor Activities:
    • Wildlife Viewing: The refuge has multiple wildlife observation areas and hiking trails. The Black Point Wildlife Drive is a popular route for those wishing to observe wildlife from the comfort of their vehicle.
    • Fishing: The refuge is also a great location for fishing, especially in the Indian River Lagoon, which teems with species like redfish, snook, and trout.
    • Hiking and Paddling: There are several trails, including the Scrub Ridge Trail for hiking, and water activities like kayaking are perfect for exploring the mangroves and waterways.
  4. Habitats: The diversity of habitats within Merritt Island is remarkable, ranging from saltwater to freshwater systems, scrubby flatwoods, and tidal flats. Each supports different species of flora and fauna, offering a unique experience depending on the area you explore.
  5. Conservation: The refuge plays a significant role in protecting endangered species, providing breeding grounds, and serving as a migration stopover. The conservation efforts are not just for the wildlife—restoration of habitats and maintaining water quality are critical to the long-term health of the area.

Well worth the short drive.

I always forget how much I enjoy spending a few hours or the day up in the refuge. Such a peacful and amazing place. The vast landscape with mangrove wetlands, salt marshes and coastal woodland is quiet, beautiful and abundant with wildlife. During visits there I have seen countless birds of more species than I could ever know, alligators around every turn, wild boar and even a few bobcat. You just never know as it is wildlife but it is always worth the trip.

Whether you prefer the driving trails, hiking trails or both everyone will find something they like. If the visitor center is open when you arrive it is worth the stop. They will provide you with maps and info to get the most out of your visit. No worries if the visitor center is closed, pay at the gate. The only parts of the refuge that have a fee are the driving trails like Black Point and self pay stations are located at the trail head/ gate. the fee was $10.

Make a day of it!

So after our visit we were ready for some food. We originally thought we would stop at Pier 220 which is located on the west side of the Max Brewer bridge that you cross over to get to the wildlife refuge. We have been there before and had good food, drinks and views. They have indoor seating as well as a nice outdoor tiki bar. While headed that way we decided to go in another direction for dinning, we headed down the road a short be more to try a spot we had never been to.

So where did we eat?

We chose a spot that we had passed on the drive in right on US1 near Downtown Titusville. The Moonlight Drive-In. Flash back to days gone by the Moonlight is a old school drive-in opened in 1964 and still serving classic burgers, dogs and shakes. I was worth the stop. I used to eat at this style drive in as a kid and it brought back tons of good memories along with some good food. We grabbed a couple burgers with fries and I just couldnt pass up a chocolate malt. The burgers were very good, maybe not my all time burger, but good. The Chocolate malt was out of this world!

Great day off at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

What a great little road trip. Like I said before I love being on the boat taking people fishing or dolphin and manatee watching. But sometimes something different is nice. If you are visiting the Cocoa beach, Space Coast area or even Orlando (short drive) check out the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Dont forget if you want the beach time the Canaveral national Seashore is right there as well. Go see natural, beautiful beaches the way they were supposed to be.