Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 9,200 acres of marshes, beaches, dunes, woodlands, and agricultural fields along the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service established this refuge in 1938 to safeguard the habitats of migrating and wintering waterfowl populations.

The refuge connects visitors with nature through educational programs, interpretive trails, and seasonal tram tours that showcase local ecosystems and wildlife.

The refuge remains open from sunrise to sunset, with an entrance fee of $5 from April through October, while winter access is free but limited.

Nearly 300 bird species inhabit the refuge, including tundra swans and snow geese during winter migration, alongside mammals such as bobcats and river otters.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1938

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/back_bay

GPS coordinates: 36.65000,-75.93333

Latest update: May 11, 2025 02:16