Red wolves used to hunt freely throughout the South Carolina coastal
grasslands, oak woodlands and meandering waterways of Cape Romaine’s
low-country ecosystem. In 1932, Congress protected its 34,000 acres as a
national wildlife refuge.
The impressive new 9,000-square-foot Sewee Visitor and Environmental
Center features film and hands-on displays. Nature and interpretive
trails lead to a 4,000-year-old Indian shell mound, through pine
woodlands to ponds for bird-watching. Learn about local raptors at the
on-site South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey. Watch rare red wolves
in a natural-habitat enclosure. Tourist information and recreational
opportunities at Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent
Francis Marion National Forest are also available. There is no charge
for admission.
The center is open Tuesday through Sunday, and there is a
special lot with drive-through spaces for motorhomes and buses. To reach
the center, take U.S. Highway 17 north from Charleston 20 miles. For
hours, call (843) 928-3368. Several primitive U.S. Forest Service
campgrounds are located nearby.
