As you plan your spring and summer vacations, take a break from the boats and floats to experience the Sunshine State’s wild side in Indian River County.
“Historic Jungle Trail” That’s the sign that greets you as you turn off one of the county’s busy highways and enter Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1904 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it is the nation’s first national wildlife refuge established to protect nesting birds.
As of 2026, there are now 560 such refuges dedicated to wildlife conservation.
With the development that has encroached on Florida lands, the refuge on Pelican Island encompasses more than 5,000 acres of salt marshes and mangroves with little in the way of development except for restroom facilities.
You can hear the sounds of automobiles in the far-off distance, but when you’re in this piece of paradise, you’re one with nature.
Near Sebastian, Fla., on the Atlantic, a 2 1/2-mile, well-packed dirt trail snakes its way through the mangroves and the marshes, offering glimpses and sounds of waves lapping against the shore of Indian River Lagoon.
Michael Fitzgerald was walking the nature loop one beautiful sunny morning, something he does almost every day of the year and has been since he moved to the area from the rat race in Manhattan more than 30 years ago.
“It’s my walking path,” he says as he walks up beside me.
In the years he’s been walking the refuge, he’s seen the seasonal changes it brings. Some birds stay year-round, while others fly in for the winter for a little warmth before returning to their nesting grounds up north.
“I’m seeing more bobcats and coyotes these days,” he says. “And because of that, not as many raccoons.”
And as soon as he said that, what should appear in the middle of our path? Footprints in the sand. And what did they appear to be? A raccoon!
“Well, I guess there’s just at least one raccoon left,” Fitzgerald said with a laugh.
Ben Earman, vice president of tourism and marketing for Indian River County, says Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge appeals to a wide range of conservation-minded visitors, not just birders.
“While it is best known for birding, the site is also rich in history, particularly its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt and the early conservation movement.”
Informational signage with QR codes appears throughout the refuge, highlighting its remarkable legacy and offers information about the area you’re in, whether it be the animals in the saltwater you might see in one area or the wildlife you might see in another.
The newest feature of the refuge is the wildlife trail that offers more opportunities to view the refuge’s habitats and wildlife. And there’s an easy three-quarter-mile Centennial walking trail that has views of Centennial Pond and culminates in a 500-foot Americans with Disabilities Act accessible observation tower and boardwalk with a view of Pelican Island, located in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon.
Fall through spring are considered the best times of year to see the famous residents of Pelican Island, including the migratory white pelicans, as well as nesting brown pelicans.
Kayaking, boating, and swimming opportunities abound in the lagoon waters surrounding Pelican Island and the many mangrove islands that fall within the Refuge boundaries.
Tram tours are offered through the property from November through March, but anytime of the year is good to visit because you never know what you’re going to see. It all depends on Mother Nature.
For more information or to schedule a tour, log onto fws.gov.
“Historic Jungle Trail” That’s the sign that greets you as you turn off one of the county’s busy highways and enter Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1904 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it is the nation’s first national wildlife refuge established to protect nesting birds.
As of 2026, there are now 560 such refuges dedicated to wildlife conservation.
With the development that has encroached on Florida lands, the refuge on Pelican Island encompasses more than 5,000 acres of salt marshes and mangroves with little in the way of development except for restroom facilities.
You can hear the sounds of automobiles in the far-off distance, but when you’re in this piece of paradise, you’re one with nature.
Near Sebastian, Fla., on the Atlantic, a 2 1/2-mile, well-packed dirt trail snakes its way through the mangroves and the marshes, offering glimpses and sounds of waves lapping against the shore of Indian River Lagoon.
Michael Fitzgerald was walking the nature loop one beautiful sunny morning, something he does almost every day of the year and has been since he moved to the area from the rat race in Manhattan more than 30 years ago.
“It’s my walking path,” he says as he walks up beside me.
In the years he’s been walking the refuge, he’s seen the seasonal changes it brings. Some birds stay year-round, while others fly in for the winter for a little warmth before returning to their nesting grounds up north.
“I’m seeing more bobcats and coyotes these days,” he says. “And because of that, not as many raccoons.”
And as soon as he said that, what should appear in the middle of our path? Footprints in the sand. And what did they appear to be? A raccoon!
“Well, I guess there’s just at least one raccoon left,” Fitzgerald said with a laugh.
Ben Earman, vice president of tourism and marketing for Indian River County, says Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge appeals to a wide range of conservation-minded visitors, not just birders.
“While it is best known for birding, the site is also rich in history, particularly its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt and the early conservation movement.”
Informational signage with QR codes appears throughout the refuge, highlighting its remarkable legacy and offers information about the area you’re in, whether it be the animals in the saltwater you might see in one area or the wildlife you might see in another.
The newest feature of the refuge is the wildlife trail that offers more opportunities to view the refuge’s habitats and wildlife. And there’s an easy three-quarter-mile Centennial walking trail that has views of Centennial Pond and culminates in a 500-foot Americans with Disabilities Act accessible observation tower and boardwalk with a view of Pelican Island, located in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon.
Fall through spring are considered the best times of year to see the famous residents of Pelican Island, including the migratory white pelicans, as well as nesting brown pelicans.
Kayaking, boating, and swimming opportunities abound in the lagoon waters surrounding Pelican Island and the many mangrove islands that fall within the Refuge boundaries.
Tram tours are offered through the property from November through March, but anytime of the year is good to visit because you never know what you’re going to see. It all depends on Mother Nature.
For more information or to schedule a tour, log onto fws.gov.
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