St. Marks Refugewinter wildlife
Waterfowl peak between Thanksgiving and Christmas, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 20–Dec 25). No official report yet this season.
Right now in St. Marks Refuge · September
- Boats allowed in refuge pools March 15 through October 15 (non-motorized or electric only) · Mar–Oct
53days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 20–Dec 25, local timing
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Boats allowed in refuge pools March 15 through October 15 (non-motorized or electric only)NowMar–Oct
- Apr: Warbler and shorebird migration peaks early in AprilApr
- Oct: Migrating monarch butterflies arrive in OctoberOct
- Waterfowl peak between Thanksgiving and ChristmasNov–Dec
Where to watch
- Headquarters Pond observation deckA trail of under a quarter mile, across from the Tower Pond trailhead, leads to a small wooden deck at the pond's edge; park at Tower Pond, 5 miles south of the visitor center, next to the restrooms.
- Lighthouse Levee TrailUnder half a mile, starting at the end of Lighthouse Road to the right of the parking lot; open on foot, by bicycle and on horseback.
St. Marks Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterfowl peak between Thanksgiving and Christmas, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 20–Dec 25. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 53 days (Nov 20–Dec 25, local timing).
How much is the entrance fee?
$5 per vehicle, $1 per bike or pedestrian, or $25 for an annual refuge pass. America the Beautiful passes are honored.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the refuge open?
Year round during daylight hours; the gate on Lighthouse Road opens at 6 a.m. The visitor center is open weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and closed on federal holidays.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are allowed on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there food and restrooms on the refuge?
There's nowhere on the refuge to buy food or stay overnight, but there are picnic tables, drinking water and restrooms, including restrooms at the visitor center and at Tower Pond Trail.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can roads or levees be closed when I visit?
Yes. Administrative roads and levees may close during prescribed burns and peak wildlife events, especially around eagle nests and shorebird and waterfowl areas. The visitor center has the latest closures.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where is the visitor center right now?
As of September 2026, the visitor center has moved temporarily to the Education Building.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
Headquarters Pond observation deck: a trail of under a quarter mile, across from the Tower Pond trailhead, leads to a small wooden deck at the pond's edge; park at Tower Pond, 5 miles south of the visitor center, next to the restrooms.; Lighthouse Levee Trail: under half a mile, starting at the end of Lighthouse Road to the right of the parking lot; open on foot, by bicycle and on horseback..
What is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Waterfowl peak between Thanksgiving and Christmas (Nov–Dec), Migrating monarch butterflies arrive in October (Oct), Warbler and shorebird migration peaks early in April (Apr) and Boats allowed in refuge pools March 15 through October 15 (non-motorized or electric only) (Mar–Oct).