Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
outdoor
family friendly
pet friendly
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge situated along the shore of Ninigret Pond. It is characterized by salt marshes, kettle ponds, freshwater wetlands, maritime shrub lands, and forests, and it is seasonally inhabited by over 250 species of birds.
attractions: Ninigret Park, Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater, restaurants:
Ratings
Description
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge situated along the shore of Ninigret Pond. It is characterized by salt marshes, kettle ponds, freshwater wetlands, maritime shrub lands, and forests, and it is seasonally inhabited by over 250 species of birds.
Posts
I’ve passed by Ninigret many times but this was my first time going here to take walks. I was staying at Willows Motel which is a short walk to the West Entrance of this refuge. I went there three times and walked all of the trails. It’s different from most National Wildlife Refuges I’ve been to. It’s an old air strip with some of the runway still there. The trails are made up of some paved parts, some gravel areas and some dirt trails. Two trails go down to Ninigret Pond with nice views of the water. This 900 acre park is well worth a visit to take a walk. There is also Ninigret park which is attached to the Wildlife Refuge and has a different entrance and parking area. It’s a park with tennis courts, ball fields, nature center and lots more park things. For the Refuge signs say “No Jogging, no biking, no dogs”. I found a few people walking their dogs and biking. I know people want to walk their dogs but this is a Wildlife Refuge, not a park. That’s the same reason for no jogging or biking. There are two entrances and parking lots. I entered from the West Entrance. This has a large parking lot but no bathrooms. The only bathrooms are located near the East Entrance. This is a composting toilet and was in good shape. I wish I found this Refuge years ago. Next time I will also visit the other side where the park is located.
Bill LozanoBill Lozano
00
Level hiking trails, some are paved. There are a few trails looping toward the water. Part of the refuge was land donated by the Department of Defense. The Charleytown trail has an interesting naval history. WWII pilots practiced night landings and water landings there. Portions of the trail is the tarmac. President George HW Bush trained on the site.
Kathy SKathy S
10
Nice trails. Flat land is easy to walk. Facilities on site. But it’s kind of boring. I had hope this was a former military airport with things to explore. But that would have been decades ago. Now it’s all overgrown or signs prohibit access to some areas. The “great” abandoned airports have relics to check out. At least the trails are good.
Doug I.Doug I.
00
Great NWR in RI for birding,hiking,biking. At the end of the main road(west entrance) park entrance are there with overflow parking with managed trail and restroom. My favorite one is the Grassy Point at the end of the trail. Got fantastic shot of blue heron , least sandpiper, monarch, cormorant.
RoysRoys
20
This place is absolutely beautiful. Definitely peaceful and relaxing. On the way back home my 3yr old actually said im gonna take a nap okay? I almost had a heartache. He never wants to sleep. I had so much fun here. It was very clean as well.
Kristy LeeKristy Lee
30
A very cool spot to take in some nature. Has different trails you can take, one is a loop trail that's nice. The walk down to the Ninigret Pond was cool, definitely a good little place to do some fishing 🎣
Liz ShulmanLiz Shulman
40
Nearby Attractions Of Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
Ninigret Park
Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater
Ninigret Park
4.7
(698)Click for details
Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
4.7
(35)Click for details
Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater
4.4
(34)Click for details