Merritt Island
Titusville, FL 32782
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide diversity of recreational and educational opportunities. From bird watching and nature study, to fishing and seasonal hunting, you are sure to find an activity to satisfy your passion.
Driving Directions From I-95, take Exit 220 (Titusville, State Road 406 Exit). Drive east on SR406, also known as Garden Street. Continue east on Garden Street for 4 miles and travel over the Max Brewer Causeway Bridge. The Refuge begins at the east side of the causeway. To reach the Visitor Information Center, continue 4 miles past the Refuge entrance (remain to your right at the fork in the road) and the Visitor Center entrance sign will be on your right.
A variety of passes can be purchased in-person at the Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Daily passes can be purchased at self-pay stations with exact change. When the Visitor Center is closed, use fee envelopes and depository provided at the entrance to Black Point Wildlife Drive and boat ramps for daily passes.
The refuge offers several lifetime and annual federal passes including the Lifetime Senior Pass ($80.00 for those age 62+), the Access Pass (free for disabled persons), and the Military Lifetime Pass (free for U.S. Military Veterans and Gold Star families). These passes provide access to recreation sites managed by six federal agencies and may offer discounts on expanded amenity fees.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Volunteers are an essential part of operations at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. They perform many vital functions. With your help, we will enhance the quality of wildlife habitat and public use opportunities. Our program offers challenges for everyone and volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to apply!
If you have an interest in wildlife, enjoy working outdoors or with people, or simply want to contribute in some way, consider joining the refuge’s volunteer staff. Training and uniforms are provided — you supply the interest and time. Contact the refuge for more information.
Partners
The National Wildlife Refuge System is committed to building partnerships which encourage conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural resources. Partnerships with the Refuge System bring innovative approaches to solving land management and water disputes in the most environmentally protective manner. Scientifically-informed and technologically-based stewardship of our public lands, waters, wildlife and special places must be collaborative efforts between the Refuge System, other government agencies, and private organizations if conservation efforts are to succeed.
The refuge was established as an overlay of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The refuge partners with NASA to conserve and protect wildlife and habitat in the area surrounding space operations.
In addition, the refuge partners with the Merritt Island Wildlife Association (MIWA) which is a Florida nonprofit corporation with the mission to: “Promote conservation, awareness, appreciation, and use of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and to support refuge programs.”
Services
About
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center to manage undeveloped lands for wildlife conservation. Spanning 140,000 acres, it serves as a primary sanctuary for migratory birds and protected species while coexisting with the nation's space program. The refuge features a wide variety of habitats including coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, and scrub, supporting more than 1,500 plant and animal species.
