Self Guided

Unable to schedule a field trip with a ranger guided activity? We have plenty of options available for your students that can be teacher led!

 

Maryland District

Assateague Island Visitor Center
The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park.
Exhibits: Marine aquariums, touch tank, exhibits, brochures, maps and a film about the wild horses of the island, Junior Ranger Program (no purchase necessary).
Facilities: Restrooms, bookstore, entrance passes, lost and found and emergency services.

Self-guided trails
Experience life on a barrier island! Assateague Island has a variety of paved and unpaved trails open for hiking. Trails are 1/2 mile loops, and 37 miles of beach hiking. Trail guides are provided online. Please visit our hiking page for field guides and safety information.

 

Virginia District

Toms Cove Visitor Center
The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located in the Virginia District within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Exhibits: Beachcombing exhibits, educational brochures, a marine aquarium and touch tank, Junior Ranger Program (no purchase necessary)
Facilities: A bookstore, entrance passes, over-sand vehicle permits, overnight fishing passes, campfire reservations, lost and found and emergency services
(Scheduled groups may be using the visitor center. Please check with staff for availability)

Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center
The educational center is located in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Exhibits: Cultural history, conservation, interactive exhibits, Eagle Cam, Auditorium movies, educational brochures, Junior Refuge Manager & Junior Birder Program (no purchase necessary)
Facilities: Restrooms, bookstore, entrance passes, lost and found, emergency services.

Self-guided trails
The refuge maintains several miles of trails for either hiking or biking. Major recreational activities include wildlife/wildland observation, photography, education, and sheer enjoyment of the outdoors. About half are paved while the rest are open to foot traffic only. Please visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge trails page for more information and maps.

 

Fee Waivers

If you and your class are visiting the Maryland District of the national seashore, make sure to download and fill out the Academic Fee Waiver form. Academic Fee Waivers are available to bona fide academic institutions which can show the visit supports a specific curriculum for which academic credit is given.

If you and your class are visiting the Virginia District of the national seashore, print a copy of your confirmation form to bring with you. The form will be emailed to you prior to your field trip date and serves as your fee waiver into the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.