Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region
 

Plan Your Visit

Hours of Operation

The refuge is opened year-round, from dawn until dusk every day. The Beane Point contact station is open during the summer months when staffing is available. Call the refuge headquarters for further information.

Kettle Pond Visitor Center is great place to become familiar with (or to review) the habitats and wildlife you'll see at Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. It's located south on Rt. 1 from Point Judith where the ferry departs/arrives, in Charlestown, RI. Kettle Pond Visitor Center is open everday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Please call ahead for very infrequent and unexpected closures of the visitor center or refuges, and the current weather conditions (401-364-9124). Click on the following link for more information and directions: Kettle Pond Visitor Center.

Pets

Pets are not allowed on the refuges, except at Kettle Pond Visitor Center. Pets, most notably dogs, present a threat to many animals including birds, even leashed and well-behaved dogs look like predators to other animals. The presence of dogs may alter a bird's feeding or breeding activity. This disruption may drive the birds away, which is not allowed in our enabling legislation and approved plans. We do allow leaashed dogs on the trail at Kettle Pond Visitor Center because we are not managing for ground-nesting birds in that small area of Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. However, that is the only place on all five refuges in Rhode Island where we allow pets on the trails.

Helpful Health Hints

Too often visitors take home unpleasant memories of their refuge experience because they have not been dressed appropriately or sufficiently protected against insects. For that reason, as well as for health concerns, we stress the importance of sharing the following “Helpful Health Hints”:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather and call ahead for current weather conditions.
  • Insect repellent is recommended while hiking the trails. Please do a tick check after every hike on the trails.
  • Poison Ivy is a common sight on the refuge. It is relished by deer and over sixty species of birds eat the berries. All parts of the plant can give people serious rashes during any season. Poison Ivy is distinguished from other plants by its three leaflets per leaf and the alternate leaf arrangement.
  • Bring your own water bottles and drink plenty of water while hiking or engaging in activities around the refuge. Wear sunscreen and loose, layered clothing. Stop and rest frequently. Do not over-exert yourselves.

Group Visits

Please call our headquarters to arrange for group visits to Beane Point (401-364-9124). Our Beane Point facility is generally open and staffed during the summer, but you should call before making your plans to be certain that it is open. Beane Point is closed during the winter.

Other Helpful Items to Plan Your Visit

Refuge Brochure

Driving Directions

Visitor Opportunities

List of Wildlife and Plants

 

 
Last updated: January 10, 2012