Photo Courtesy Ben Prepelka VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
Facilities and Activities:
| Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hunting | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | yes |
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Photo Courtesy Ben Prepelka VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
Nearby Parks: Canaveral National Seashore Saint Johns National Wildlife Refuge
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| National Park Overview: |
 | Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) headquarters is located five miles east of U.S. 1 in Titusville, Florida. The Refuge, which is an overlay of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, was established in August 1963 to provide a buffer zone for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the quest for space exploration. Approximately one half the Refuge's 140,000 acres consist of brackish estuaries and marshes. The remaining lands consist of coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks.
The coastal location of MINWR, with its seven distinct habitat types and position between the subtropic and temperate zones contribute to the Refuge's importance as a major wintering area for migratory birds. Over 500 species of wildlife inhabit the Refuge with 16 currently listed as federally threatened or endangered. Several wading bird rookeries, approximately 10 active bald eagle nests, numerous osprey nests, up to 400 manatees and an estimated 2,500 Florida scrub jays can be found on the Refuge.
The objectives of MINWR are to provide habitat for migratory birds, to protect endangered and threatened species, to provide habitat for natural wildlife diversity, and to provide opportunities for environmental education, interpretation, and compatible wildlife-oriented recreation. In addition, as part of a complex, MINWR administers Lake Wales Ridge and St. John's National Wildlife Refuges. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
 | Be the 1st to Review Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
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|  | Note to Park related businesses: List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
 | Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Titusville Florida - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville Florida. ... every state and 5 U.S. territories. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Fact Sheet Natural History Approximately one ... |  | Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Waterfowl Hunting - Waterfowl Hunting 2003 - 2004 2003-04 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations ? PDF Prints best on legal size paper. Merritt Island NWR National Wildlife Refuges in the Southeast |  | Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Titusville Florida - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville Florida. 140,000 acres of fine birding, wildlife viewing, hiking, endangered species, educational programs, and wildlife drives. |  | Ecotourism on Florida's Space Coast - Titusville Florida - Eco Travel - ... Florida's Space Coast. Outdoor activities, hospitality and area guide. Titusville Florida. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary. |  | Roddy Scheer : Photography : Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville : Immatur - Roddy Scheer : Photography Immature White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville, Florida, February 2003 Copyright ? 2003, Roddy Scheer |  | Roddy Scheer : Photography : Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville, Florida - Roddy Scheer : Photography Green Heron (Butorides virescens) Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville, Florida, February 2003 Copyright ? 2003, Roddy Scheer |  | Anhinga, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida - |  | William D. Rich Photography - Nature Photography by William D. Rich ... Beach Second Beach Second Beach Central Florida Anhinga, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Green Heron, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Roseate ... |
| Directions: |
| From I-95: take Exit 80 (SR 406, Garden St.) east through Titusville. Cross over the Indian River Lagoon. The Refuge entrance sign and information kiosk are located on the east side of the Indian River Lagoon. Refuge maps and brochures are available at the kiosk. Continue east for 4 miles to reach the visitor information center, located on the right side of the road.
From U.S. 1: follow U.S. 1 to Titusville. At the intersection with SR 406 (Garden St.), turn east. Cross over the Indian River Lagoon and follow the above directions.
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