Mississippi’s beautiful coast, abundant history, float-worthy rivers, and glorious flora get a lot of the spotlight in this sweet Southern slice of the country. But there’s a lot more to see in the Magnolia State! While perhaps no secret to locals, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is a true hidden gem and a beautiful, overlooked respite in the trees that doesn’t get the attention of the Gulf Islands or Mississippi’s namesake river. Nevertheless, this underrated natural area near the Pascagoula is a quiet, family-friendly destination that is absolutely worth a visit every season!
Hidden away in Gautier, Mississippi is a lush wildlife haven that's home to something beautifully special in the South: a rare and endangered subspecies of Sandhill Crane called the Mississippi Sandhill Crane.
Fall and winter are typically the best time to catch a glimpse of Mississippi's sandhill cranes, as spring and summer are nesting seasons and the birds are more cautious about showing themselves.
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These regal, long-legged birds are small in number but easily found within the 19,000-acre Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. The wet pine savanna ecosystem here boasts a mix of grass prairie and watery, dense clay wetlands that make the perfect habitat for permanent residents and migratory birds alike.
Of course, despite the name of the sanctuary, cranes are not the only wildlife found here! This hidden gem is one of the most diverse ecological areas in the South and has also been labeled one of the "birdiest" places in the state.
Cardinals and other rare species of birds can be found around every corner, along with lizards, tortoises, insects, and cute (although slightly less exotic) creatures like squirrels and doves.
Multiple trails meander along the marsh waters and can be enjoyed at your own pace. Trail maps are available at the visitor center and will help you locate and identify the park's incredibly diverse flora and fauna on your stroll.
Pitcher plant bogs, cypress groves, and marshy wetlands offer plenty of opportunities to experience Mississippi's great outdoors!
Unique carnivorous plants, fantastically abundant saw ferns, and breathtaking spring blooms add vibrant pops of color to the otherwise neutral coastal landscape.
But for a truly memorable experience, we definitely recommend taking one of the refuge's guided tours. Knowledgeable enthusiasts help bring this beautiful sanctuary to life, and have sharp, eagle eyes to help you spot the most skittish residents!
A small picnic area is available (please leave no trace) and plenty of benches beckon photographers and birders alike to set up post and enjoy the views.
Or, if the weather isn't cooperating, the Visitor Center is absolutely worth exploring as well.
A small picnic area is available (please leave no trace) and plenty of benches beckon photographers and birders alike to set up post and enjoy the views.
Looking for more things to do in Mississippi? We’re also home to a number of wildlife refuges throughout the state, including some unique wildlife education encounters that the whole family can enjoy.
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