National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center

Sunny Honey Miami

2023-10

Wow. We were traveling to Key West and decided to stop and visit the National Key Deer Refuge. The ranger inside the office told us that we might see a deer, if we are lucky. She explained to us that they are active dawn a d dusk, normally. We drove up to the Blue Hole, parked there and surprise: we saw our first deer, she was eating and was not afraid to see us. Walking on the trail we saw an alligator, a "small" 8 ft alligator that was looking for some food. We also saw a smaller deer and then driving from the blue hole back to the main road 3 more. This was an incredible experience, please drive slowly as they jump in the street unexpectedly.

Angel

2024-05

Great place to learn about the natural history and wildlife of the Florida Keys. The Ranger was super kind and shared lots of information. It’s free!

Brian McClure

2024-05

We stopped in here briefly before going looking for key deer. Was close to close on a Saturday. Looked at some educational displays, saw the store was closed, and were about to head out when the lady at the front desk spoke to us. She mad the visit worthwhile. Took a pre-printed map, and marked a route on it suggesting places to go given the high heat. Also explained that the store is operated by a volunteer that didn't show today. Oh well.Slow down on big pine key. Wasn't speeding and almost got a key deer later that night.

Shannon O

2023-12

National Key Deer RefugeInformation Center is very informative. Gave us a map to direct us to locate the key deer population.

Fred's Internet Island

2024-03

Nice visitors center. Very informative. Displays, brochures, video showcasing the refuge runs continuously. Employees are friendly and helpful with guests questions. Plenty of free and easy parking right out front. Clean restrooms!Restrooms: Clean and well stocked.

Jeff Brooks

2023-05

…More

Samjenn S

2023-05

Our family loved this place. We learned so much from the workers here. Also, we were greeted by a key deer at the parking lot! Super amazing.Lots of parking, clean restrooms, kind workers, and there’s a section where kids can touch stuff. Make a stop here.

Misty Lizarralde

2023-05

A bit off of the beaten path but we saw so many cool things! A few Key deer, sharks, and many fish! Take the paths recommended by the guides and you'll see so many fun things!

Arn Paul

2024-04

Great spot to learn about the key deer and we even saw 1 down the road nearby!

Steve Bender

2024-02

The Refuge provides some very nice walking trails to explore, but we had no deer sightings during the several-hours we were there. Instead, we found deer wandering the nearby residential neighborhoods. Evidently the gardens and decorative landscaping provides more desirable browse for these little creatures.

Connie Molinaro

2023-05

…More

Connie Brzozowski

2023-11

They were so knowledgeable. Told us exactly where to drive to see the key deer yeah.

Elisa Rich

2024-02

So cute. Take the road to the unnamed key

M C

2022-05

…More

Melanie Barnard

2024-05

Interesting little place, friendly,knowledgeable staff. They give you a map of the island and mark where you might see deer.

brandon dengler

2023-05

This is a great stop in big pine!! Wonderful displays and history of the key's deer population. Very helpful and nice staff. Would've done the hikes l, but they scared me with all the poisonwood present. Be prepared with pants and long sleeves if you plan on hiking.

Elaine White

2023-05

…More

John Mullner

2023-05

…More

Sam Rogers

2020-05

Be aware it is closed pending a move. Best time to see the deer is around dawn or dusk especially on our near No Name Key. They are there, just drive around for a bit! The deer get 5 stars. The 1 star is for the visit center because it's temporarily shut for extended period of time but no signs or updates on Google.

Rick Goebel

2023-05

Very glad to see that people are trying to preserve the environment! We didn’t get to see any deer, but that is not surprising.

Cruising with the Clemons

2023-05

…More

Demetrios Kanavaros

2024-05

Nice walking trails and, if you're lucky, you might see an adorable Key deer!

Berenice Carlson

2024-02

Love all the programs and thank all the volunteers that keep this beautiful resource open. Highly recommend making a stop to learn about all the great wildlife in the area.Restrooms: Super clean!!

Sarah Smith

2019-05

Not what I was expecting. By the name I was expecting to drive up to an actual refuge, with animals there. It’s a very little information center in a shopping plaza. While I’m sure they offer interesting information on the Key Deer, you will not actually see any deer here. You have to drive around the island on the back roads and look for them yourself and we found plenty.

Tray Tray R

2023-06

Stopped by the National Key Deer Refuge to find out more about the key deer and where to see them. Maximum height of less than 36 inches.

Nicholas Reichert

2020-05

Very helpful staff! There are no key deer at the actual sanctuary. Just plenty of deer on big pine key if you drive the roads near by and walk the nature paths. But there is plenty of awesome information to be gained by hanging out at the sanctuary for 10 minutes

Steve S

2023-05

…More

Michael Cesarotti

2018-05

Drive down Key Deer Blvd to at least Blue Hole and you should be able to spot some. We saw about 4 during our midday visit.

Chris Summers

2019-05

We had a hard time finding the place. It's not obvious. It's in the parking lot with the grocery store which I missed the first pass by. All this to find that it was closed. However, we read reviews and went out to No Name Key and on our way out we spotted our first key deer. Cute little guys and they were everywhere. We got there just before sun set which I have since read is probably the best time to find them roaming in the open. We went to No Name Key and hiked around a little in the reserve but didn't see any wildlife at all. Then on the way out we ran into quite a few walking the streets and hanging out in people's yards. They were very curious and walked right up to my wife and sniffed her and her camera which made for a cute photo. Worth the couple minutes out of your way to go and see these guys.

Michael St.John

2024-01

Great little resource. Ranger was very friendly and helpful. Map with all the trails available.Playground: No playground.Restrooms: Restrooms available in the building to the right.Dog-friendliness: Dogs not allowed in the center but are allowed on the trails (on a leash).Picnic area: No here.