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The Cedar Keys are a little bit of heaven sitting in this low action estuary in the Gulf of Mexico.  Whether you write, paint, or contemplate, fish, paddle or peddle, you'll cherish your time in this old Florida setting.

Activities

Fishing
Wildlife watching
Education programs
Photography

Other Facilities in the Complex

Cedar Keys is managed as part of the North Florida Refuge Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location.  Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs.  Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific Refuges.  Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.
The North Florida Refuge Complex headquarters is located at 1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL 32355.

Ghost-like reflection of alligator.
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is unlike other Refuges in that it was not established for the protection of a specific species, but in order to protect the high water quality of the historic Suwannee River. The flow of the Suwannee feeds the estuarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico,...
National Wildlife Refuge
Chiefland,FL
Remains of old pier at sunset
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1931 to provide winter habitat for migratory birds, and is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encompasses about 86,000 acres in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles of north...
National Wildlife Refuge
St. Marks,FL
Area of St. Vincent NWR affectionately known as Tahiti Beach.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
Established as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1968 for the protection and conservation of migratory birds, St. Vincent NWR is managed to preserve, in as natural a state as possible, it’s highly varied plant and animal communities. The Refuge is comprised of two islands and two mainland tracts...
National Wildlife Refuge
Apalachicola,FL

Rules and Policies

There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do at the Lower Suwannee NWR.  Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably Refuge System rules governing that activity.  Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. Call headquarters at:  +1352-493-0238.  There are plenty of activities at the Lower Suwannee NWR for you to enjoy.  Be safe and have fun! 

Prohibited at the Refuge are fires, camping, dogs off-leash and the collecting of plants, animals, shells and artifacts.

Locations

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
(352) 493-0238
C/O Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge16450 NW 31St PlaceChiefland,FL32626-4874
Driving Directions

To reach the Refuge, you must travel southwest on highway 24 or 347 to the town of Cedar Key. You'll need a vessel to paddle, operate, or rent to get out to the islands.  Boundary signs are on all Refuge islands; other islands are private.