St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area on Florida's Gulf Coast encompassing marshes, forests, and shallow bays that shelter migratory birds, reptiles, and mammals. Trails, including the Lighthouse Road Trail, lead through pine woods and along tidal channels that stretch to the historic lighthouse.

The federal government created the refuge in 1931 to protect migratory waterfowl arriving from the north each winter. The lighthouse, active since 1842, survived wartime damage and remained a landmark for shipping along the coast.

Visitors walk or cycle the Lighthouse Road Trail through wetlands, where signs explain native species and photographers watch flocks settling in shallow water. School groups arrive regularly to explore ecosystems and learn from wildlife and plants how coastal habitats work.

The main entrance sits on Lighthouse Road, where a gatehouse collects admission but accepts federal passes. Paths are mostly flat and suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, though some sections can turn muddy after rain.

In fall, thousands of monarch butterflies rest in coastal woods during their journey to Mexico, sometimes covering entire branches with orange wings. Alligators often doze beside trails in shallow water, appearing unbothered by visitors passing nearby.

Location: Florida

Inception: 1931

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

GPS coordinates: 30.15083,-84.14722

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31