Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Explore a unique wet pine savanna and witness the majestic Mississippi Sandhill Crane in its protected habitat near Gautier, Mississippi.
Discover the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane and its unique habitat at this national wildlife refuge in Gautier, Mississippi. Explore the wet pine savanna, visit the interactive visitor center, and stroll along scenic trails for a chance to see rare plants and wildlife [3, 4].
A brief summary to Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station
- 7200 Crane Ln, Gautier, Mississippi, 39553, US
- +1228-497-6322
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4 pm
- Friday 8 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see the Mississippi Sandhill Cranes [11].
- Bring binoculars for optimal viewing of wildlife [11].
- Check the Visitor Center hours before you go, as they are limited [3].
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the nature trails [11].
- Be aware that most of the refuge is off-limits to the public to protect the endangered cranes and their habitat [5].
Getting There
-
Driving
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is located north of Gautier, Mississippi. From I-10, take Exit 61 (Gautier-Vancleave Road) and head north [6, 8]. The Visitor Center is approximately one-half mile north of the interstate [6]. There is no fee to enter the refuge [5]. Parking is available at the Visitor Center [6]. Be aware that the entrance gate closes at sunset [15].
-
Taxi/Ride-Sharing
If arriving from the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available [13, 16]. The ride to the refuge is approximately 36 miles and takes around 40 minutes [13]. Expect to pay between $60-$80 for a one-way trip [10, 16]. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip [19].
Discover more about Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station
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