In a statement released today, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge announced that Black Point Road will be temporarily closed for maintenance. The roughly seven-mile dirt road sees a great deal of traffic annually, making periodic resurfacing necessary for its longevity and also to make it a pleasant experience for visitors.

“The Black Point Wildlife Drive will be closed to all visitation from August 26 until August 30, 2024, for maintenance. During the closure, Biolab Road is an excellent alternative auto tour. For additional information regarding the closure, please contact the refuge visitor center at 321-861-0669.”

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 

Note that this does not mean the entire refuge will be closed, just Black Point Drive. Visitors can still go to Playalinda Beach, Bioland and other MINWR locations as before, so long as the Refuge is open. Current hours are 6 AM – 8 PM, and the Visitor’s Center is open from 8 AM – 4 PM.

Author: Charles Boyer

NASA kid from Cocoa Beach, FL, born of Project Apollo parents and family. I’m a writer and photographer sharing the story of spaceflight from the Eastern Range here in Florida.