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Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Bristol, Family Fun, Boardwalk, East Bay Bike Path, Nature Walk, Museum, Nature Center and Aquarium
The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge

and the Nature Center and Aquarium

Address: 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
Phone: (401) 949-5454
Hours: Refuge open sunrise to sunset. Click here for Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium hours.
Acres: 28
Trails: Less than 1 mile
Trail Difficulty: Easy. ADA certified accessible trail and boardwalk.

Dogs are prohibited. Click here to learn why and review other trail guidelines.

The fields, woods, wetlands and winding boardwalk to the shore of Narragansett Bay present visitors to the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge with a wide variety of habitats for nature study and observation. This property is also home to Audubon's award-winning Nature Center and Aquarium, where walks, shore programs, lectures and family events are offered year-round.

Refuge Highlights

  • Habitat: fields, forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, rocky shore
  • Wildlife to watch for: painted turtle, snapping turtle, frog, muskrat, fox
  • Birds commonly found: Osprey, Green Heron, Wild Turkey, Red-tailed Hawk
  • Offerings: Birdwatching, Summer Camps, Nature Center and Aquarium, Programs, Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing, Restroom, ADA certified accessible trail and boardwalk
  • ADA certified accessible trail and boardwalk are comprised of hard-packed crushed stone and a wooden boardwalk.
  • Features award-winning Nature Center and Aquarium
  • Boardwalk through fresh and saltwater marshes leads to Narragansett Bay
  • Pollinator Garden (new in 2018)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Located along the East Bay Bike Path with an access point to the trails and Nature Center
  • Available for birthday parties, weddings and facility rentals. Contact Anne DiMonti at adimonti@asri.org or (401) 949-5454 x3116, or click here to learn more!

Wildlife Refuges

Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Bristol, Family Fun, Boardwalk, East Bay Bike Path, Nature Walk, Museum, Nature Center and Aquarium

  • Image by Phoenix Aviary

  • Image by Glenn Osmundson

Using the Trails: Refuge Guidelines

All Audubon Society of Rhode Island land is protected. Our public wildlife refuges are for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the natural habitats of Audubon's refuges and avoid disturbing their inhabitants. Also, respect the rights of others when using the trails.

In order to ensure that these areas remain as healthy habitats, we ask you please to abide by these simple rules, enjoying the natural settings with quiet enthusiasm and a respectful sense of adventure. By conserving these open spaces, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with its members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Rhode Island.

To accomplish this, we kindly request the following:

  • Permitted (and encouraged!):

    • Hiking on the trails
    • Observing & learning about wildlife
    • Photography
    • Bird watching
    • Enjoying the area's natural ambiance and solitude
    • Picnicking only at the designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium

  • Not permitted:

    • Dogs, horses and other pets
    • Motorized vehicles and bicycles beyond the parking lot
    • Hunting, fishing or trapping
    • Picnicking (except in designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium)
    • Camping
    • Littering
    • Alcoholic beverages and smoking
    • Collecting plants or other natural objects
    • Geo-caching or Letterboxing
    • Jogging, running and excessive noise

  • Dogs can be best friends, good companions and even part of the family, but dogs are not allowed on Audubon Wildlife Refuges for a number of reasons. Read More.
    *Service dogs are welcome.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Visit Rhode Island's largest nature center and aquarium. Walk the trails through meadows and marshes to Narragansett Bay. Say hello to Zach, our Common Raven.

Plan Your Trip Today →

Shop Online: Audubon Nature Shop →

Birding in Rhode Island

Stay involved with Audubon's birding programs and resources:

Audubon Events Calendar →

Audubon Avian Research Initiative →

Audubon Avian Ambassadors →

Recent Bird Sightings (eBird) →

Red-bellied Woodpecker by Jason Major

Stormwater Innovation Center

Roger Williams Park is home to the Stormwater Innovation Center. The Center has been developed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and its partners! Learn more about the nature-based solutions we are using to learn about and protect urban water quality.

Learn More →