Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge

Worthy of a stop in my book, but don't go out of your way if not passing by. There are two parts. The Eastern Shore Visitors Center which has its own listing and the grounds. I would recommend doing both and have enjoyed for years. The location is just a few miles from the Bay Bridge with good signage. If you plan on doing both park at the visitors center there is a grassy path to the refuge. It's approximately a mile walk. If refuge only drive past the VC and hang a right to a small lot.The entrance is under a WW II concrete bunker with a surprise upon passing through. A powerful gun originally mounted in the rear turret of the Missouri. A cool side note. The USS Missouri was the site of the 1945 Japanese surrender ceremony. The 16 inch 50 caliber gun saw extensive action in both WW II and in the Korean War.The weapon was placed inside the refuge in 2013 to represent the original that sat in the very same bunker. The 2,100 pound round could fire at a distance of 21 miles across the bay and then some.On top of the bunker is an over look and worth the climb. Stairs are located on the side and are in great shape. Unfortunately it's not the best Kodak moment with a lot of over growth that needs cleared. If you bring a selfie stick or foot ladder that's best to elevate. There is not a large trail network which is a limiting factor. However, the refugee itself is hundreds of acres all Federally protected. Along the trail to a second overlook is a small cemetery which is nothing of interest.The second overlook located just mInutes from the bunker is the ideal photo op location. It's green, it's marshy and it's expansive. So snap away. For lovers of birds you will see water fowl. I'm a bit surprised that the refuge has so few reviews with a lot of traffic that passes by nearby Highway 13. If time permits go for it. Both the ES Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center and can be done in less than two hours easy.

Small gift store is located here to remember the Chesapeake bridge tunnel. Clean restrooms if you need a break. Lots of brochures for bird watching.

Whenever I get to the the Eastern Shore near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel - I visit this place. It is awesome. I like best the trails and drives along the salt marshes along the bay. I also like the bird viewing areas. There are always a lot of sea birds and more to see. The old fishing boats in the marshes are a step back in time. There are great places to launch and cruise in a kayak or canoe. It is a beautiful place and should not be passed up if possible.

VERDICT: Nice natural wildlife preserve, but closes at dusk.QUALIFIER: Cost something like $13 to drive across bridge from VA sideSERVICE: South end visitor station is still open for clean restroom access. Pretty clean and open clean lobby area too, just in case caught in rain.

Just a beautiful area, no matter what your doing - hiking, sight seeing, picnic etc). The visitor center is nice (clean), not sure if it's the case for both directions but it basically costs $ 13 from the VA side so keep that in mind but if any of that money goes to the wildlife refuge it's worth it.

Beautiful Wildlife Refuge. The visitor center is very nice, they had good information for adults and interactive things for kids, and a nice birding room. Trails are paved and pleasant. They have some interesting WWII history including a huge gun that was recently installed, but read about it on their website first because there are no signs on location. Hopefully there will be in the future. Very good location for birders, wish I had gotten there earlier in the day.