Merritt Island Wildlife Drive
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Kennedy Space Center and protects over 140,000 acres of coastal habitat. The 7-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive is the main scenic route, but the broader Merritt Island experience includes multiple scenic drives, hiking trails, and kayak launches through mangroves, marshes, and hammocks teeming with wildlife.
Route Overview
The Black Point Wildlife Drive is a one-way gravel road loop through salt marshes and impoundments. During winter months, the refuge hosts over 300 species of migratory birds including roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, wood storks, and bald eagles. Alligators sun themselves along the road and manatees swim in the adjacent waterways. The drive is slow and meditative, perfect for photography.
Stops Along the Way
1. Refuge Visitor Center
Start at the Visitor Center on State Road 402 for maps, wildlife checklists, and information about current sightings. Rangers can tell you what species have been spotted recently.
2. Black Point Wildlife Drive Entrance
Enter the 7-mile one-way gravel loop. Drive slowly (15 mph max) and scan the marshes for wading birds, raptors, and alligators. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
3. Observation Tower
Climb the observation tower near the midpoint of the drive for elevated views across the marsh. This is the best vantage point for spotting distant wildlife and photographing the landscape.
4. Cruickshank Trail
A 5-mile hiking trail along the edge of the Indian River. Walk the dike trail for close-up views of shorebirds, pelicans, and dolphins in the river. The trail loops through marsh habitat.
5. Manatee Observation Deck at Haulover Canal
Drive north on US-3 to Haulover Canal for almost guaranteed manatee sightings from November through March. The observation deck overlooks the canal where manatees gather in cooler months.
Driving Tips
- Black Point Wildlife Drive is closed seasonally for hunting (usually November) - check the refuge website before visiting
- Drive at 15 mph or slower for the best wildlife sightings - rushing means missing everything
- Bring mosquito repellent, especially during summer months - the marshes breed mosquitoes
- Visit at sunrise or the last hour before sunset for the most active wildlife
Official Resources
Group Road Trip? BusBrother provides charter bus service along this route. Let a professional driver handle the road while your group enjoys the scenery. Get a free quote.