1. How do I get to the Refuge?

From the south, follow Hwy. 35N to the FM 774 exit. Turn right on FM 774 and go approx. 6 miles, winding through the farm fields. Turn right again on FM 2040. Go another 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.

From the north, travel south on Hwy. 35 to Tivoli. Continue past Tivoli for approx. 1 mile to the FM 239 exit (on your left). Follow FM 239 to Austwell. When you enter Austwell, FM 239 turns into FM 774 at the curve. Continue on FM 774. Follow 774 & take a right at the stop sign. Go down the end of the street. Take a right again. This takes you out of town for about ½ mile to the FM 2040 turn. Go left on FM 2040 for about 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.

2. Directions from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Houston?

From Corpus Christi, take Hwy. 181 over the Harbor Bridge to Gregory-Portland. Follow Hwy. 35 to Rockport. You will be on what is called “the bypass”. You will pass exits for Ingleside, Aransas Pass, Rockport, & Fulton. Go until you come to a “T”, turn right as you continue to follow Hwy. 35N. As you exit Fulton, you will go over Copano Bay. Continue for approx. 15 miles to the Hwy. 35 & FM 774 intersection (flashing yellow light). Turn right on FM 774 and go approx. 6 miles, winding through the farm fields. Turn right again on FM 2040. Go another 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.

From San Antonio, take Hwy. 87 to Victoria. Take Hwy 77S to the Tivoli, Goliad exit. Follow FM 239 to Tivoli. Turn south on Hwy. 35. Continue past Tivoli for approx. 1 mile to the FM 239 exit (on your left). Follow FM 239 to Austwell. When you enter Austwell, Hwy. 239 turns into FM 774 at the curve. Continue on FM 774. Follow 774 & take a right at the stop sign. Go down the end of the street. Take a right again. This take you out of town for about ½ mile to the FM 2040 turn. Go left on FM 2040 for about 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.

From Houston, take Hwy. 59S to Victoria. Take Hwy. 77S to the Tivoli, Goliad exit. Follow FM 239 to Tivoli. Turn south on Hwy. 35. Continue past Tivoli for approx. 1 mile to the FM 239 exit (on your left). Follow FM 239 to Austwell. When you enter Austwell, Hwy. 239 turns into FM 774 at the curve. Continue on FM 774. Follow 774 & take a right at the stop sign. Go down the end of the street. Take a right again. This take you out of town for about ½ mile to the FM 2040 turn. Go left on FM 2040 for about 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.

3. What is there to do or see at the Refuge? Do I drive or walk?

Aransas NWR is open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. There’s a 16-mile driving Tour Loop with several pullouts. The first five miles is two-way. Once you pass the Observation Tower, the tour loop becomes one-way for the remaining 11 miles. There are 8 walking trails of various lengths off the Tour Loop. Some are particularly good for birds, others for their vistas. The Tour Loop and walking trails are self-guided. Bicycling is a popular activity on the Tour Loop. We have a Visitor Center open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. except for Thanksgiving & Christmas. Exhibits, maps, information, group programs, and a gift shop are provided. There’s also a picnic area, Observation Tower (with free-use telescopes), and boardwalk. Wildlife you may see include Whooping Cranes from October through March, white-tailed deer, javelina, feral hogs, raccoons, herons, egrets, hawks, alligators and wildflowers.

4. When is the best time of year to visit the Refuge?

The answer to this question depends on what interests you. Most visitors want to see whooping cranes. Whoopers begin arriving mid-October and are all here by December. They generally travel in pairs or family groups (3-4). Remember, you can usually see only one family from the Refuge Observation Tower. The rest are scattered on their territories along the marshes of the peninsula, Matagorda Island, San Jose Island and neighboring areas. They stay until the end of March at which time they begin heading back to Canada. All families have usually departed by the end of April. April 15 is when fishing season opens if you want to go fishing. The spring also brings beautiful wildflower displays on the Refuge and spring migration. The summer has heat, humidity, and mosquitoes, but it is also is a time to see young wildlife such as spotted fawns, wild turkey poults, and baby alligators and javelinas. Summer is also the best time to see painted buntings which nest on the Refuge and gayfeather which only blooms for a few weeks in August. In September, migrating hummingbirds are abundant. October brings cooler weather and whooping cranes. Controlled archery and firearms hunting for white-tailed deer and feral hogs also takes place in October, November and December in a selected area of the Refuge. Truly, any season is a good time to visit the Refuge. You never know what you'll see around the corner!

5. When is the best time of day to see wildlife?

Usually, the best time of day to see wildlife is early morning or late afternoon when they are more active. This is especially true if temperatures are high. Some species, such as whooping cranes, feed during the day, so you can see them in the winter anytime during daylight hours. Alligators can be seen basking on the banks when the sun is out.

6. Where is the nearest gas station?

Tivoli is located 14 miles outside the Refuge and has two gas stations. Occasionally, Hopper’s Landing, 3 miles outside the gate, has fuel. Rockport, Pt. Lavaca, and Victoria are 35 – 50 miles from the Refuge. We recommend you fill up in Rockport, Tivoli, Victoria, or Pt. Lavaca before driving in.

7. Where is the nearest restaurant?

Tivoli has the nearest restaurants: Dairy Queen, Canales’ Mexican Restaurant, and Charlene’s (lunch Tuesday-Friday,11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.).

8. Where and when can I see whooping cranes?

A pair or family (3-4) of Whooping Cranes can usually be seen from the Observation Tower generally from mid October through March. They feed in the marsh during daylight hours. Be sure to ask at the Visitor Center front desk for the latest sightings. If you want to see many whoopers, you’ll need to take a boat trip out of Rockport. For the latest information on boat tours, call the Rockport Chamber of Commerce at 361-729-6445 or 1-800-242-0071 (in Texas). Out of state, call 1-800-826-6441.

Three boats that are available through reservation are:

• Pisces Charters – 800-245-9324. Runs daily at 10:00 a.m.
• The Skimmer – 877-892-4737 (toll free). 7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
• Wharf Cat – 800-782-2473 (Rockport), Wed-Sun, 10-2; 800-605-5448 (Pt. Aransas), Mon-Tues, 10-3:30.

9. How do I get to Matagorda Island? What is there to do?

Access to Matagorda Island is by private or commercial boat. Texas Parks and Wildlife manages the north end for recreational activities such as fishing, beach access, beach combing, bird watching, hunting and backpacking and facilities such as a kayak trail,Matagorda Island lighthouse, self-guided nature trail, and a viewing deck. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island, call Texas Parks & Wildlife Rockport Regional Office at 361-790-0306 or the Bay City Office at 979- 244-6804 or 979-244-7697.

10. Do I need mosquito repellent?

Along with water, snacks, sunscreen & appropriate clothing, always bring mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes can be found year-round although some seasons are worse than others.

11. What are the best birding trails?

This depends on what birds you’re seeking. Look for wading birds in fresh or saltwater marshes. The whooper pair that can be seen from the Observation Tower like the Mustang Lake marsh & have established it as their territory. Go to the sloughs and marshes of Rail & Heron Flats Trails or Jones or Hog Lakes for a variety of wading birds. Hawks & vultures can frequently be seen soaring over the Tour Loop or in the Picnic Area. Neotropicals are generally woodland denizens. Look for them in the large oaks of the Headquarters Area, the Picnic Area, Big Tree Trail, and the wooded parts of Heron Flats and Birding Trail #2.

12. Does the Refuge have a picnic area?

Yes, the Picnic Area is located just off the Tour Loop about a mile south of the Visitor Center. There are picnic tables, grills, & bathrooms provided. Be sure to avoid any wildlife that may come up to you begging for scraps. Feeding wildlife can be become dangerous fast.

13. Is there a fee to go through the refuge?

Yes, there is a daily entrance fee of $3.00 for one person in a vehicle or $5.00 for a carload (2 or more people in the vehicle). We do accept several Recreation Passports including the Aransas Annual Pass, Federal Duck Stamp, Golden Age, Golden Eagle, Golden Access, and National Park Pass with the hologram sticker. We also sell all of these except the National Park Pass. We do sell the upgrade hologram sticker that goes on the National Park Pass.

The fee for commercial groups with 20 people or less is $25.00; more than 20 people, $50.00.

14. Is there public overnight camping on the Refuge?

There is no public overnight camping on the Refuge. The nearest camping is available at Hopper’s Landing, 3 miles outside the gate. There is an RV park in Austwell and Tivoli. Goose Island State Park in approx. 30 miles away in Rockport.

15. Does the Refuge host programs for organized groups?

Yes, Visitor Services personnel present programs (Refuge orientation and wildlife video) to organized groups upon request. All groups visiting the Refuge must call ahead for reservations.

16. Are there environmental education opportunities for groups?

Yes, environmental education opportunities for groups such as schools, colleges, and scouts are available at Aransas and Matagorda Island NWR. Contact Environmental Education Specialist Tonya Stinson at 361-286-3559 for reservations and details. Overnight facilities at the Youth Environmental Education Area (YETA) and Matagorda Island Environmental Education Center are available.

17. How do I find out about boat tours?

For the latest boat tour information, contact the Rockport Chamber of Commerce at 361-729-6445 or 1-800-242-0071 (in Texas). Out of state, call 1-800-826-6441.

Three boats that are available through reservation are:

• Pisces Charters – 800-245-9324. Runs daily at 10:00 a.m.
• The Skimmer – 877-892-4737 (toll free). 7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
• Wharf Cat – 800-782-2473 (Rockport), Wed-Sun, 10-2; 800-605-5448 (Pt. Aransas), Mon-Tues, 10-3:30.

18. Does the Refuge Nature Store carry Aransas National Wildlife Refuge patches?

Yes, the Friends of Aransas & Matagorda Island NWR operate a Nature Store in the Visitor Center with hundreds of educational and nature-related sales items. Colorful Refuge patches and pins, wildlife T-shirts, birding books, children’s T’s and books, wildlife jewelry, and plush animal toys are among the gifts available. All proceeds go to the Refuge.

19. Can I go fishing at the Refuge?

Wade fishing access to San Antonio Bay is permitted from April 15 through October 15 when whooping cranes are not present. We have five access points. These are 1) the picnic area (wade out from the shoreline straight across the parking area), 2) Bay Overlook, 3) Dagger Point (there are steps going down from the overlook), 4) Birding Trail #2, and 5) the Observation Tower area ( go off the end of the boardwalk). Be sure to secure your vehicle.

Ask for the fishing rules and regs sheet when you register at the Visitor Center front desk.

Species you can expect to catch are speckled trout, redfish, black drum & flounder. All State fishing regulations apply. Be aware of stingrays, jelly fish, & alligators. Refuge hours are sunrise to sunset.

Bay and surf fishing are permitted year-round at Matagorda Island. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island, call Texas Parks & Wildlife Rockport Regional Office at 361-790-0306 or the Bay City Office at 979- 244-6804 or 979-244-7697. at 361-983-2215 for more information.

20. Can I launch a kayak /canoe at the Refuge?

Yes, you can launch a kayak or canoe from April 15 – October 15 from the five fishing access points on the Refuge. There is no public boat ramp at the Refuge. The closest boat ramp is at Hopper’s Landing located 3 miles outside the Refuge gate. The next closest boat ramp is at Austwell pier.

21. Are there hunting opportunities on the Refuge?

Yes, there are hunting opportunities at Aransas and Matagorda Island NWR. Aransas NWR offers archery and firearms hunting for white-tailed deer and feral hog during the fall season. Hunt applications are available in the summer. Go to the Hunting and Fishing page for the latest information.

Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) offers hunting on Matagorda Island in the fall and winter for white-tailed deer, feral hog, waterfowl, and dove. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island, contact the TPW Rockport Regional Office at 361-790-0306 or the Bay City Office at 979- 244-6804 or 979-244-7697.

Youth hunts are also available on the Tatton Unit and Matagorda Island NWR. Contact the Refuge at 361-286-3559 for details.

22. How long do whooping cranes live? What is the age of the oldest pair?

We had to ask Whooping Crane Biologist Tom Stehn these questions. He says whoopers live 20-30 years in the wild and can live 40+ years in captivity. The oldest whooping crane in captivity died in January 2003. He was 38 years old. The second question is hard for even Tom to answer. He says that there have been pairs on the same nesting territory for 20+ years. However, he says, we find that turnover of mates occurs, so we cannot assume necessarily it has been the same birds throughout the 20 years. If a mate dies, the widow may re-pair and stay in the same territory.

23. Can I pet or feed the animals?

Refuge animals are wild animals. Never approach a wild animal no matter how “friendly” it appears.

It is illegal to feed wildlife on the Refuge. Wild animals have plenty of natural foods and do not need human food as it may make them sick. Wild animals can become bold and aggressive when fed. Never feed wild animals on the Refuge.

24. Can I bring my pet to the refuge?

Although leashed pets are permitted, we do not recommend bringing your pet to the Refuge. If you must, keep your pet on a short leash close to you. Refuge alligators are attracted to them.

25. Are there any photo blinds or feeding stations on the Refuge?

We have one photo blind on Birding Trail #2. It is located by a small pond that doesn't always have water in it. The viewing deck nearest the entrance to Heron Flats Trail is covered on two sides and provides a good blind for photography. Generally speaking, you will need a long lens for wildlife photography on the Refuge.

The only feeding stations we maintain are hummingbird feeders during spring and fall migration.

26. How do I find out about volunteering?

If you have an interest in volunteering at Aransas NWR, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 361-286-3559 or go online at www.volunteer.gov for an application. Volunteers are needed year-round. Public use, biological, maintenance, and administrative positions are available.