The Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center (Gateway Visitor Center in short) represents eleven national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery, offering an invitation to visit them all. Interactive exhibits teach visitors about each of the refuges in the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Complex, from Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge to Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. The center is staffed by trained volunteers to answer questions and offer suggestions for visiting any of the refuges in the complex.

About Us

The Gateway Visitor Center serves as an introduction to the nine refuges in the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuge Complex, as well as two other refuges and a national fish hatchery in the area: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Edenton National Fish Hatchery. The nine Coastal North Carolina NWR Complex refuge websites can be found below:

Alligator River NWR     Cedar Island NWR     Currituck NWR     Mackay Island NWR     Mattamuskeet NWR     Pea Island NWR     Pocosin Lakes NWR     Roanoke River NWR     Swanquarter NWR

Visit Us

Tram Tour at Alligator River NWR
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Refuge Education Programs

The nine refuges in the Coastal North Carolina NWR Complex host a variety of guided tours and educational programs. Ride along on a tram tour, learn about red wolves and bears, paddle out into the waters of the refuges, or see thousands of wintering waterfowl!

Learn More about Tours and Programs

An open, well-lit atrium with an information desk and interpretive exhibits, including a diorama of a forest and a photo stand of wildland firefighters
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Gateway Visitor Center

Through interactive exhibits, audio-visual programs, and even a virtual airplane ride, visitors may experience a field trip to each refuge with hopes to entice them to visit these special places.  See how the Outer Banks will change as the sea level rises. Sit for a spell in the old Dare Forest Supply Store and experience life through a short multi-sensory film, when Buffalo City was a bustling logging and moonshining town! In this small theater you will also have an opportunity to watch 2 other nature and area-related films. In the main lobby, try to find 37 critters hiding in the pocosin diorama. Peek into a red wolf den. Have a picture taken of you as a wildlands firefighter! A short interpreted nature trail wanders through the woods behind the center.

The center is staffed by volunteers. Our non-profit friends group, Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, operates Wild Things, a gift shop that offers innovative wildlife-related gift items such as nature identification guides, children's toys and books, jewelry, apparel and other items to make your visit both enjoyable and memorable. All proceeds benefit refuge programs.

Latest News

A view down a dirt road with firefighters standing on the right side and small flames on the left side. There are trees interspersed on the landscape.
Emergency Management
From Microscopes to Flames: A Journey into Wildland Firefighting
Life's journey often leads us down unexpected paths. One moment, you're entrenched in a career as a biological technician, the next, you find yourself amidst the flames as a wildland fire apprentice. Join us as we look at this apprentice’s journey into the world of wildland fire, exploring the...
A row of green cypress trees stand partially submerged in a placid lake.
US Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Decision to Implement a Cyanobacteria Pilot Study in 4 Bays (400 acres) in Lake Mattamuskeet
Deeply dedicated to our mission to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, USFWS) and its partners continue to seek opportunities, investigate strategies, and...
A bank of clouds lit scarlet-purple by sunset reflect on a glassy water surface surrounded by forest.
Lead Surveys and Entrance Road Impoundment Water Levels
Migrant swans and ducks are arriving at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, but viewing opportunities may be limited. Surveys for lead are being conducted in the Entrance Road impoundment, which requires us to maintain low water levels through December. Unfortunately, this impacts bird use and...
Thick-trunked trees with leafy green foliage grow out of standing water
Land Management
Proposed Expansion of Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking the public’s review and comment on a proposal to expand the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina. The proposed expansion spans Bertie, Halifax, Martin, Northampton and Washington counties and would support the restoration and...
Blue-gray, white with a brown body stripe, female belted kingfisher sitting on the end of a branch
Belted kingfisher
Shown below is a Belted Kingfisher on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Brown 2 1/2 inch butterfly with bright colored defensive colored 'eyes' on the top of the wings
Common Buckeye
Recently, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge had this beautiful Common Buckeye butterfly.
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Our Library

Gateway National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center Flyer
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Gateway National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center Flyer
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Coastal North Carolina NWRs Gateway Visitor Center Trail Map
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Coastal North Carolina NWRs Gateway Visitor Center Trail Map
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Alligator River and Pea Island NWR Interpretive Program Schedule
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Alligator River and Pea Island NWR Interpretive Program Schedule

Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges offer a variety of fun and educational seasonal programs. During the summer, programs range from interpretive presentations to tram and canoe tours. During the off season (Sep-May), the refuges host bird walks and special events.

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Pocosin Lakes NWR Interpretive Programs Schedule
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Pocosin Lakes NWR Interpretive Programs Schedule

Pocosin Lakes NWR is excited to announce regular weekly programs to share the refuge's fascinating wildlife with visitors. Come to the Red Wolf Center to learn about these endangered wolves and visit a pair of live wolves. Or, see nature in a new way through special programs with Pocosin Arts or...

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Get Involved

The Gateway Visitor Center depends on dedicated volunteers to provide information, answer questions, and assist with guided programs. There are many opportunities at Gateway and refuges throughout the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Complex for different kinds of volunteers, as well as internships and partnerships. 

Location and Contact Information