Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

A must-see in the Rockport area, this 54,829-acre refuge is the prime wintering ground for the endangered whooping crane, plus hundreds of other bird species. The refuge includes several hiking trails and a paved, 15-mile loop drive that offer a chance to see some of 80 mammal species indigenous to the region: opossum, shrew, bat, armadillo, raccoon, coati, ringtail, mink, weasel, nutria, skunk, bobcat, deer, coyote, and even wild boar. You'll find an observation tower on the loop drive as well. The Visitors Center includes films and exhibits on the annual migration of these five-foot-tall birds.

The cold weather months bring the whooping cranes back to their winter home at the Aransas Pass Wildlife Sanctuary. Drop by the Visitors Center to learn more about these statuesque birds; while you’re there, check out the alligator pond for its toothy inhabitants and on nearby hiking trails keep an eye out for coyote, red wolf, gray fox, mink, weasel, badger, or a wild boar.

Location: To reach the refuge from Rockport, travel 22 miles north on Rte. 35, then 9 miles east on FM 774, then 7 miles southeast on FM 2040.

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