Visit one of the United States’ oldest wildlife refuge and 'gateway site' for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Entrance fee varies so check at toll booth or honour fee station for current prices. Entrance fees are charged on the St. Marks Unit. Or call at their number if possible.
The refuge’s Visitor Center and administrative office can be found just 25 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida.
The best seasons are during the fall and spring. You can see a numerous diversified flocks!
They meet the third Saturday of every month. The assemble takes place in the Nature’s Classroom (the Environmental Education Building).
They plan field trips every other month with the likelihood of a field trip every month. If you are interested in more information, please get in touch with the club’s President Tom Darragh at [email protected].
To learn more about hunting opportunities, seasons and guidelines on the St. Marks NWR, please get in touch with David Moody at (850)925-6121 or [email protected]
The refuge is open year round, daylight hours.
Try to arrive early morning to get most out of your trip.
Make sure you pack your lunch. Bring extra clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you plan on getting wet, do not forget to bring your sandals.
The Visitor Centre is open Mondays – Fridays, 8 am – 4 pm
Yes there is. Head over to https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Accommodations.pdf to see them.
No. Flying drones are strictly prohibited.
The weather is usually cool from around late fall to early spring, with the occasional afternoon showers. Summer is humid and brings forth a variety of biting insects and bugs.
Established in 1931, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge spreads across 70,000 acres covering the Wakulla County, the Jefferson County and the Taylor County in the state of Florida. Constructed to provide a sanctuary for the wintering habitat migratory birds, it now stands as one of the oldest and largest wildlife refuge of the States stretching across 43 miles along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida.
If you are nature lover or looking for a place for your kids to discover their love for nature this is your place to visit. The refuge allows you to do birding of a whopping number of 278 species of birds throughout the year. Witness not only the abundant and common birds at their livelihood but also the rare and the uncommon ones as well including the red-necked Grebe, Magnificent Frigatebird, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Cinnamon Teal amongst many other rare birds!
Done birding? Head over for fishing of both fresh and salt water. Boat to the Apalachicola Bay and visit the abundant creeks, lakes, ponds and rivers. If you want to sit back, relax and get up close and personal with the nature, you have the opportunity to participate in the Wildlife Viewing offered by the Refuge itself. Drive or walk through the 150 miles of refuge roads, levee, and developed trails. From the Aucilla River, view the Indian mounds that dates back to more than 2,000 years, spread along the coastline and be mesmerized. Love photography? Say no more. The St. Marks NWR Photo Club is welcomes all photographers from amateurs to professionals. Master the techniques required and exchange valuable information to learn the most of your photography skills.
Are you more of the adventure type? Go on for hiking in one of the several offered trails available including the Florida National Scenic Trail, Plum Orchard Pond Trail, Primitive Trails, Headquarters Pond Trail, Tower Pond Trail among many other or even tailor your own by seeing the refuge map. Hunting is also available on a portion of the refuge and even a Youth Hunt is also established.
There is also Environmental Education available for the kids and youth. Do not forget to visit the St. Mark’s lighthouse, one of the best renowned landmarks on the Gulf coast.
With bounty to see and to do make sure this is one of the “must visit” sites on your list. To see more interactive events available do not forget to visit their website and the events calendar.