In 1991, these 200 acres of wetlands between the Brevard Zoo and the St. Johns River floodplain were established by the Brevard County Government as a stormwater treatment system for the adjacent South Central Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The treatment wetlands are divided into four cells of approximately 35 acres each, surrounding a central lake. Each cell was designed to maintain a different water depth, creating a variety of wetland habitats. These stormwater treatment wetlands play an important role in protecting the environment by capturing and retaining stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. They also filter and store stormwater, helping recharge the aquifer. Wetland plants naturally remove pollutants from the water, improving its quality before it returns to the environment. Without treatment, stormwater runoff can contribute to algal blooms, muck accumulation, fish kills, and other ecological problems. In addition to their environmental benefits, the wetlands provide valuable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including many of Florida's wading birds, while offering visitors an opportunity for wildlife viewing and recreation. In December 2007, the wetlands were renamed the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands in honor of Ritch Grissom, a longtime Brevard County employee who worked at the adjacent South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The memorial recognizes his 16 years of service and his love for wildlife and the nature. In 2008, the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands were added to the East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. It was extremely hot on the day I visited, so I recommend planning your visit during the cooler months of the year for the most enjoyment. Even in the heat, I enjoyed exploring the trails. I spotted numerous ospreys, red-winged blackbirds, an alligator, and even a raccoon on the move that I followed for a while. Unfortunately, I didn't notice until I looked down that my legs were covered in mosquitoes, so be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and water. If you enjoy nature and wildlife off the beaten path you can easily spend hours here. The wetlands are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Follow the wetlands' Facebook page for the latest updates and photos of recently spotted wildlife. read more

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This is a rather large Park easy to get to from i-95. Just exit viera and head West to your dead end at the park. This is a large Park with lots of walking trails around different wetland areas. It seems like it's a man-made Park with Wells constantly feeling lakes and pumps pumping water from one lake to the next lake. There are areas we can ride your bike for bike riding/mountain bike trails and lots of walking trails as well as there's docks you can walk out and look out on benches you can sit on and a few towers you can go up to get a bird's eye view. For wildlife I saw lots of different species of birds and a lot of alligators. These alligators did not seem friendly like the ones at gatorland. I also saw a lot of bunny rabbits and the rabbits were used to people unless you're pretty close to that. read more

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As a nature and wildlife photographer I had high hopes for Viera Wetlands but was disappointed with the lack of wildlife. I visited 2x at the very end of August and saw just a few herons and egrets but not much more. I've read others' reviews and think my timing wasn't ideal so perhaps visiting another time of year would yield different results but for late summer viewing, it was basically devoid of wildlife and not recommended: try another time of year! If I am in this area again I'll try for another visit and if it's a vastly different experience I'll be sure to update this review to reflect that experience. read more

Viera Wetlands - Lakes Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Viera Wetlands is excellent for birding. Great place for a walk! read more

Viera Wetlands - White ibis at Viera Wetlands - Lakes Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Nice place to bicycle, hike, birdwatch, nature photography. A dike road leads past numerous views of birds, crocodiles, snakes and other creatures. A driving road is shared with bicyclists and walkers. Many roads are closed to driving traffic. There are viewing platforms. Fun outing a good exercise. Outhouses available. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place. This is my new favorite place to drive to and just unwind and lose myself in nature! I've been several times since my first visit and have seen so much beautiful Florida wildlife- gators of varying sizes, birds of prey, water birds, several types of butterflies, turtles and one lone snake. I keep hoping to catch a glimpse of something super cool like a bobcat or river otter, but have yet to spot one. I don't mind the wait, I'll just keep going back until then! P.S. If you're a photographer, such as myself, I absolutely recommend that you NOT attempt to go to this place WITHOUT your camera- trust me, you'll regret it! read more

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Great place to drive visit to see nature. This wonderful natural resource is still open during the current COVID guidance. It is located at the west end of Wickham road. There is a parking lot at the south side of the wetlands. You can drive through or walk through this nature location. If you drive through there is a very slow speed limit. Please adhere to it since there are people walking and riding on the same road. If you see something (birds, alligators, etc) please move to the side of the road so others can pass. You can only drive through a shortened part of the wetlands. The rest of the north side is closed off to driving traffic. It is a great place to visit (either drive through or walk) on most days. Enjoy. read more

I absolutely love this place. It's such a great place to look for birds and alligators. The landscape is peaceful and often times the sky in conjunction with the wetlands makes you imagine you are in a remote area in another country! However, let's get real you can only stretch this "visit" out to 20 mins in the car or longer if you decide to walk, bike, etc.. You can certainly get a lot of great pictures! read more

My wife and I come here frequently to see the wide variety of wild animals and birds. Many of these animals and birds are on the endangered lists. I find we can drive around and through the area several times and see different animals/birds on each circuit over one or two hours' time. We like to stop and park at the various overlooks and just enjoy the views. Edit: A word of caution...We often walk the roads around and through the wetlands and we often see bicyclists on the roads. There are occasionally large alligators sunning on the banks of the wetlands. If you are in your car, they are no danger. If you are walking the road, DO NOT approach them. read more

Beautiful and a lovely walk to enjoy nature and have a little quiet time away from a busy life

Heaven on earth for wildlife sightings. Alligators are all over the place on the embankments. I have seen many children walking near alligators, and parents not paying attention. I have also seen many photographers walking on top of drainage pipes, wading into waters, thinking they are safe. They are not. Take caution and enjoy this heavenly peace on earth. read more

Have been to the wetlands a few times since we moved to the area a few months ago. It is a great place to watch all kinds of birds and other water-based wild life (alligators, Turtles, etc.). Since we live close by and bike there often, it is interesting to track a set of birds when they have little ones and watch them being fed by their parents. Great free place to visit. Sometime in the year you see many more birds than in other times. Don't know yet the best time to visit it if you traveling from out of town. read more

So beautiful and so much fun! Bring a camera or a picnic and hang out at one of the beautiful terraces! Today we saw 10 gators! read more

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This is my Zen Place! Been coming here for 5 years. I have seen deer, otter, birds galore, turtles, muskrat, baby gators & some very large ones too! Have to admit I like it during off season when it's just locals it's not as crowded and that's when you see all kinds of wildlife! read more

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Very small nature preserve located off the beaten path in western Melbourne/Viera. We walked the entire site in less than 90mins. We decided to visit since it was hosting a 'Nature Festival' which was merely a collection of vendors in the parking lot. The amount of alligators inhabiting the area was a bit of a concern, especially since we visited during their mating season. There were close encounters with several species of birds, but it wasn't enough to keep us hanging around for too long. All in all - it's free and if you wish, you can drive the route or ride a bike for added convenience. Since the Brevard Zoo is less than 15 mins away, this may be a appetizer/dessert to the zoo's light lunch (which is also pretty small). read more

Viera is a great free way to see Florida's native plant life and wildlife. The day we went wasn't the best for us because the driving route was closed because it had recently rained and it was 97 degrees so we couldn't really walk it. What I did see of the wetlands really left me wanting to go back and see more. We saw some of the pools that they filter the water through and several different bird species. My favorite part was seeing the baby birds with their mommy. Next time I go to Viera I will go when it's not so hot, and when we can take the trails. Over all Viera is a great free place to take kids and let them see Florida in it's full glory first hand. read more

Amazing. Not an avid bird watcher, but seeing so many species left me in awe. Gators were very large and very, very close! It was a bit intimidating, but thankfully they maintained their privacy . The paths were wide and the lookouts were amazing. I truly loved this place of zen. Next time, I hope to bring someone to share in the experience. read more

Great place to walk, bird watch, and see gators. This is a nice way to spend a hour in the afternoon.

This is the most boring thing I have ever done. My backyard is more interesting. Avenue 16 theaters is close by. Hop on Fandango and check out a two hour movie. read more

It's a bunch of pipes leading to a drainage swamp that constantly smells of sewers. The same birds and alligators nest at every other man-made lake in Florida. Filled with mosquitos. Nothing to see here. I couldn't even take a fun picture here. read more

Absolutely beautiful! As you're driving through, you easily forget that houses and businesses are just minutes away! Peaceful and relaxing. We did a family drive through here on a surprisingly cool summer evening. I'd love to come back to sit for a while and sightsee. Many benches, a small pavilion, and some sightseeing forts throughout. I love that this has been left untouched and remains a free natural attraction in Brevard County. read more

Viera is the best place to go birding in Central Florida, if not the entire state. Any time of day, you will see a lot, here are some of my photos from just an hour visit http://iseebeautyallaround.com/2013/11/23/birds-at-viera-wetlands/ read more

Great place to photograph wildlife.down side is when it rains they close some of the drive able trails.Also nice place to have lunch or just relax. read more

It's a good place to go. The kids really enjoyed it and there plenty to see... However, the main reason why we drove there to see alligators at least that's what was advertised online and that aspect was disappointing. read more

I had a great time photographing the abundance of wildlife there! As someone who can't walk far, this was a fantastic place for me to get to see the wildlife and grab some images read more

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Nice slow drive and see a lot of wild birds alligators. Its a hot spot for birders and photographers. You can walk it or ride bike too. Roads are very bumpy though. My only complaint is they close just before sunset. I would love to stay for sunset and get some photos. Also, can get busy sometimes and crowded with cars and because the road is dirt, narrow and tight is can be hard to maneuver around other cars. One way only. I still love to go take photos and enjoy the wildlife. read more

Well, there's at least a paved road to get here now, rather than thinking you were gonna get busted for driving through the wastewater treatment facility. Basically, this is a man-made swamp. There's a dirt road that winds around the perimeter. Here, you'll find several species of birds, turtles, and especially mosquitos, so if you plan on getting out of your car, bring DEET. Of course there are alligators, but they're hiding under water for the most part, just like any other lake or swamp. The thing is, this swamp is absolutely no different than any other body of stale water in Florida. There are many other places that are prettier and better suited for nature watching and photography. After at least ten failed attempts with my expensive SLR, I can honestly vouch that there is nothing to see here, I promise. My usually award-winning pictures were always lame. Head to any of Brevard's free parks for the same nature but with better backgrounds and infrastructure. Or, the zoo is less than five minutes away. read more

A great place to visit if you are one who wants to take a little break from the hectic pace of life! Lots of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and places to get out and walk...right here in Brevard. I went out in the late part of the day and got to enjoy watching 13 deer grazing in the field. I will definitely be visiting the Viera Wetlands again soon! read more

beautiful beautiful area here. you can either walk or drive these trails but walking gives you a better view of all the wildlife. there are many gators that can be seen in the water along with countless birds. the area is very scenic and extremely well kept. not a piece of trash in sight. there are some stands you can climb to get an even better view. be careful of alligators, snakes and fire ants though!! read more

I have always greatly enjoyed driving through the Viera Wetlands. Unfortunately, this month, approximately half of the Wetlands was closed to vehicular traffic. Therefore, only those physcially able to walk or cycle through this area can enjoy it. Those with physical impairments are denied the same opportunity. read more

My 98 year old Dad and I, who live close by, visit at least twice a week. We have encountered every sort of bird, deer, otters, snakes, turtles,rabbits, opossums, racoons, armadillos and of course gators, once or twice we were caught in a swarm of dragonflies . The ride is very calming with many aromas along the way. The singing, chirping and laughing of the birds is most entertaining. The wildflowers are pretty and some smell lovely. We have made it our practice to leave a dollar at the donation box for each gator we see! . Worth the 5 minute drive from 95. read more