Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is a United States National Wildlife Refuge located within Levy and Dixie Counties near Cedar Key, approximately an hour south of the city of Gainesville. The 53,000-acre refuge, which was originally established in 1979, protects one of the United States' largest undeveloped river delta ecosystems, stretching for 20 miles along the Suwannee River estuary habitat and an additional 20 miles along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. A wide variety of native wildlife calls the refuge home, including manatees, deer, sturgeon, turkeys, and bald eagles. Popular recreational activities include fishing, paddling, hunting, nature photography, and wildlife watching, with several observation towers and boardwalks offered throughout the refuge for visitor use. Interpretive programming includes nature walks and a wildlife driving tour program.
16450 NW 31 Pl, Chiefland, FL 32626, Phone: 352-493-0238
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