It was established by President Theodore Roosevelt via executive order to protect the brown pelican from plume hunters.
The refuge marked the beginning of the National Wildlife Refuge System, now encompassing over 560 refuges nationwide.
Pelican Island is one of the few places in the country where brown pelicans nest on the ground rather than in trees.
The Indian River Lagoon, where the refuge is located, is the most biologically diverse estuary in North America.
The Centennial Trail boardwalk was constructed in 2003 to celebrate the refuge's 100th anniversary.
The refuge contains important archaeological sites, including prehistoric shell mounds left by the Ais people.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1903, holds the distinction of being the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. Located in the Indian River Lagoon near Vero Beach, it serves as a critical nesting and roosting site for brown pelicans and migratory birds. The refuge covers over 5,400 acres of open water and mangrove islands. Visitors access the site via the Centennial Trail, a boardwalk that provides views of the island without disturbing the protected habitat. The area supports a diverse ecosystem, including manatees, dolphins, and various species of wading birds. The refuge remains a federally protected sanctuary under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The viewing scope at the end of the Centennial Trail boardwalk, which provides a clear line of sight to the nesting island.
Bring high-quality binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens, as the island itself is off-limits to visitors.
Apply mosquito repellent before entering the trail, especially during warmer months.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as bird activity and marine life sightings are often more frequent during incoming or outgoing tides.
Do not attempt to kayak or boat to the island, as it is a strictly protected area closed to human landing.
Stay strictly on the designated boardwalk to protect fragile mangrove and shoreline habitats; do not attempt to access the island by boat.
