Public Use at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) offers a wealth of recreational and visitor opportunities for all age groups. Although much of Blackwater NWR is composed of wetlands, there are still many ways to get close to the wildlife and enjoy the scenery.
When you come to Blackwater NWR, first stop by the Visitor Center on Key Wallace Drive where you will find wildlife exhibits, an authentic eagles' nest, our Eagle Cam and Osprey Cam TV monitors, the Eagle's Nest Book and Gift Shop, a butterfly garden, restrooms, and maps and brochures that will help you make the most of your visit. On the second floor of the Visitor Center is the "Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature Observatory," which features bird exhibits and spotting scopes for viewing the Blackwater River, the marsh, and the Osprey Cam platform. Also on the second floor is the Birding and Natural History Library. (The second floor is accessible via a staircase or a wheelchair-friendly elevator).
Your next stop after the Visitor Center should be the Wildlife Drive, which is an approximately four-mile paved road that takes visitors along the Blackwater River and offers excellent views of the local wildlife, including our bald eagles and ospreys. Visitors can drive, bike, or walk the length of the Drive.
You can learn more about the following activities on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blackwater NWR website:
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