Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Sun sets on the refuge.

Located along the southern edge of the Big Bend Region of Florida's west coast, the Lower Suwannee refuge covers 52,935 acres of land in Dixie and Levy counties.

The lower 20 miles of the historic Suwannee River, made famous by Stephen Foster, winds through the middle of the refuge before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The gulf, with its coastal marsh and tidal creeks forms the outermost boundary of the refuge.

The meeting of the river's freshwater floodplain and the gulf's saltwater marsh creates habitat for many species of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey and alligators, along with migratory birds and numerous species of wading and shore birds.

A 3,000-year-old shell mound is within the refuge. There are also foot and kayak trails, fishing piers and boat ramps. All are accessible unless the Suwannee River floods the roads. On the north side of the river, the Dixie Mainline offers rare scenery of "Old Florida." Bring your camera.

There are three campgrounds nearby.