Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge located on the Texas Gulf Coast near Austewell.

Refuge History: Before the arrival of the first European settlers the land in and around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was occupied by the nomadic hunter/gatherer Karankawa tribe Aransas is known for being a notable place in the American Conservation Movement. In 1941, there wer only 16 Whooping Cranes remaining in the wild and worldwide efforts began to focus on Aransas as a place to help the species recover.

Wildlife: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including whooping cranes, herons, egrets, pelicans, spoonbills, ducks, geese, deer, bobcats, turtles, snakes, and alligators. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Aransas National Wildlife Refuge boasts numerous trails, an observation tower, picnic tables, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!