The land occupied by the NWR was acquired by NASA in the early 1960s for the development of the Space Center and its non-operational purposes.

The refuge provides a range of habitats, from saltwater estuaries and freshwater impoundments and marshes, to dunes, hardwood hammocks, and scrub.

An observation deck is provided near the drawbridge that carries State Road 3 over the Haulover Canal, in the northern part of the refuge, since manatees frequently congregate there.

In addition the refuge includes, and gives access to Playalinda Beach on the outer barrier island.

Fishing is generally permitted, and hunting for wildfowl is allowed on a strictly limited basis.

In total, it is 28.36 miles (45.64 km) long, from the southern border of the Space Center to U.S. 1, near Oak Hill.

[citation needed] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.