Please Note: Refuge beaches are closed to all public access as of April 2nd, in order protect the federally threatened piping plover. A small patch of beach does remain open and is accessible via the boardwalk at Lot 1.
Plan Your Visit
Driving Directions
The following information will help you plan a safe and enjoyable visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. If you have further questions please call us at (978) 465-5753.
Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center
The Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport , MA, right before the Plum Island Airfield and the Wilkinson bridge and directly across the road from the Massachusetts Audubon Joppa Flats Education center. Our administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm. You may obtain refuge passes and permits in our administrative office at those times.
Our Visitor Center and exhibits are open 7 days a week from 11am-4pm. The interactive exhibits feature information about piping plover recovery, invasive species, migratory birds (including an indoor bird observation area), salt marshes and much more. The Visitor Center also features The Plover’s Nest gift shop, run by the Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, an auditorium that shows an introductory video to the refuge, and a set of classrooms used for meetings, field trips and interpretive programs.
Click here for our facility use policy.
Directions to the Refuge
The refuge is located ~35 miles north of Boston near the City of Newburyport. From Route 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe’s Lane for a total of 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Rolfe’s Lane and travel 0.5 miles to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike, and our visitor center will be shortly on the right. If not stopping at our visitor center, continue to travel 2.0 miles crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles to the refuge entrance.
Refuge Map and Regulations
For a map of the refuge, please click here. For a list of refuge regulations, please click here.
Updated Bird Sightings at the Refuge
For an update on the birds that are currently being seen at the refuge, click here.
Refuge Hours, Access, and Closures
The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and offers two public use areas. The main public use area is located on Plum Island via Sunset Drive. The second area is a short trail at Nelson’s Island off of Stackyard Rd. in the town of Rowley.
The Plum Island section of the refuge is accessible via a 6.5 mile roadway. The first 3.5 miles is paved while the remainder is gravel-surfaced. For your safety, roadside parking is prohibited and a 25 mph speed limit is in effect at all times.
During the warmer months, the Plum Island section of the refuge sometimes fills to capacity. The refuge then closes temporarily. On busy summer days, the refuge may be subject to several closures throughout the day. Please plan on arriving early in the morning to avoid this inconvenience.
Each year beginning April 1 st, the majority of the refuge beach is closed to all public to provide undisturbed nesting and feeding habitat for the federally threatened piping plover. Portions of the beach not being used by the birds may be reopened starting in July. Typically all sections are reopened by mid-late August.
In December, a controlled deer hunt may be conducted on the Plum Island portion of the refuge. For your safety and to reduce user conflict, this refuge section is closed to all other public entry at this time.
The Nelson Island section of the refuge is accessible by foot only, and is closed Monday – Saturday generally from early September – early February to all but commercial shellfishing and waterfowl hunting. It is open to all users on Sundays during this time, and open daily during the remainder of the year.
Entrance Fees
A daily entrance fee of $5/car $2/walk or bike on is in effect year-round at the Plum Island section of the refuge. When the refuge entrance gatehouse is not staffed envelopes and an “iron ranger” pipe safe are available for fee deposition. Annual passes are available for $20 at refuge headquarters and the entrance gatehouse when staffed.
Safety Precautions
During the warmer months at the refuge, mosquitoes and other biting insects can be very bothersome. Greenheads, an aggressive blood feeding horsefly, occur in large numbers on the refuge from July through mid-August. Ticks are common on the refuge and can transmit Lyme disease and other serious human infections. Please stay on all designated trails and take appropriate precautions to avoid ticks and other insects.
Poison ivy is also common on the refuge and is contagious during all seasons. Staying on established trails is the best way to avoid poison ivy.
When the refuge beach is open, ocean swimming is permitted. However treacherous undertows, currents, and heavy surf may be present and lifeguards are not provided.
Protecting Your Valuables
Loss of or damage to personal belongings can ruin an otherwise memorable outing. Valuables should not be left unattended. Carry them with you or leave them at home. Report any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to a refuge officer.
Carry In/Carry Out Policy
The refuge is a carry in/carry out facility, this means any trash or items you bring in with you, must leave with you. The trash people leave behind can have negative impacts on the marine life and wildlife that call the refuge home. Also, collecting anything living or non-living on the refuge (shells, sand, plants, rocks, nests, etc) is prohibited. Please leave only footprints, take only memories!
