Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

GENERAL INFORMATION

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is not part of Canaveral National Seashore, but it is so integrally connected that tourists and even the National Park Service and U. S. Forest Service don’t make much of a distinction between the two. The Visitor Center serves the southern end of the park, and though it is a visitor center for the Refuge, you can get the same Canaveral National Seashore information here as you can at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center, the Seashore’s official visitor center. You can even purchase annual National Park Passes here.

Outside the building are four picnic tables and the short Boardwalk Trail that runs along the shore of a small pond.

HOURS

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is open year-round on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM, except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to check the official Visit Us web page for the Refuge.

AMENITIES

• Information desk where you can pick up a free Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore park brochure and trail maps
• Pay fees to use the boat launches or drive the Black Point Wildlife Drive. Be sure to pick up the free booklet that goes with the drive.
• Book / souvenir store
• Exhibit area
• Short video
• Restrooms

PARK FILM

An 18-minute film on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge plays on demand in the Visitor Center auditorium. Just ask a Ranger to start it for you. The film covers how the Refuge was created and its relationship with the Kennedy Space Center, the terrain and trails in the park, and the animals you may see during your visit. It gives a great overview of the Refuge and is suitable for all ages.

EXHIBITS

A small exhibit area covers mainly nature topics, though there is one exhibit on controlled burns.