this is a short walking path it's really nice there's a nature center and butterfly gardens.. it's a really good nice place if you want to go see nature but don't have a lot of time or you want to have a picnic underneath a covered pavilion. Well I was there there was a field trip and the pavilion was taken up and nature center was being used for this field trip. The past does go into a circle so you will start out where you left off and you can continue to keep going if you'd like. There are bathrooms on the premises which were actually decently clean. read more

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This was way cuter than expected with 3/4 a mile long trail it's a perfect spot to go walking. The board walk lines the entire path making it great for accessibility and those that may be recovering from knee surgery or injuries. There's also plenty of parking. read more

Erna Nixon Park - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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I loved my visit to this wonderful natural area where I had a delightful hike. Erna Nixon Park is a 53.93-acre community park named in honor of Melbourne Village naturalist, Erna Nixon who championed the preservation of the natural area, which in the early 1970s was zoned for warehouses near Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Erna Nixon Park has 3,000 feet of elevated boardwalk that takes you through a natural Florida hammock and nature preserve containing plants and animals such as red blanket lichen, evergreen shrubs, wild coffee, wild Boston fern, red maple, marlberry, strop ferns, Simpson's stopper, shoestring fern, golden foot fern, cypress trees, live oaks with hanging Spanish moss, and small animals like the gopher tortoise, indigo snakes, and pileated woodpeckers. Erna Nixon Park is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. I was lucky enough to see a gopher tortoise near the boardwalk on my visit. This park is a popular destination for nature walks, wildlife watching, and I even saw someone sketching. Some of the community events held here include a Moonlight Stroll that takes place after dark with live music and food vendors. Erna Nixon Park also has a butterfly garden and a small nature center with exhibits for viewing and which offers classes and youth programming. There is also a pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms. Come for a picnic, a nature walk, or a program. This is Florida at its best and most natural. Thank you Erna Nixon for saving this ecologically important land. read more

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Erna Nixon Park is a small park, however it is a pleasant enough respite from the day to day grind. They have a pavilion and a raised boardwalk walkway. There is a smallish parking area, but when I was there, I had plenty of places to park at. This is a decent enough park and a great place to take a temporary escape from the stress of the day to day grind. read more

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A peaceful, shaded boardwalk loop just under a mile long--perfect for a leisurely walk. The canopy overhead provides great cover from the sun, though the boardwalk can get a bit slick after rain. Along the way, you'll find plenty of lichen and ferns, giving it a lush, almost tropical feel. Wildlife sightings are hit or miss; I've spotted a few armadillos and the occasional gopher tortoise, but birds are surprisingly scarce. The butterfly garden is charming in concept, though butterflies are rarely seen. A few years ago, Cuban tree frogs were a common sight, but they've either been removed or are hiding better now. For a truly memorable experience, I highly recommend a night stroll--the quiet and cool atmosphere really transforms the space. read more

I have a soft spot for this park since I participated in a park clean-up here when I was in high school (many moons ago). Plus, it's free and I'm all about free things to do. Erna Nixon Park (named so after a naturalist who lived in Melbourne Village, Florida) is located near the Melbourne Square Mall and right next to the Circles of Care property (I'm a mental health therapist, so I know where all of the psychiatric facilities are in the area) on Evans Road. The park has a well-kept, wooden boardwalk that I saw several people speed walking on and others enjoying a slow stroll. There's seating along the raised boardwalk and signs telling you what you're looking at. This park also has restrooms (a huge plus in my mind since I drink water constantly!) and a covered, educational pavilion with some fun facts and activities (like a sand tray where you can make different animal tracks in) for the kiddos (or a grown adult woman who still likes to play!). I saw people of all ages enjoying the park and I hope it continues to remain a peaceful sanctuary for everyone to enjoy. Side note: I was hoping to see a bear (I have high - and sometimes unrealistic - expectations), but I suppose the turtle we saw will suffice...until next time! read more

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Super cute park, perfect for an easy stroll, approximately .5 mile boardwalk full of native Florida plants. Plenty of shade read more

Erna Nixon Park - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

This park was a nice stroll. Disappointed at the lack of butterflies, but maybe it's not the season for that. I enjoyed the visitor book, in which you write your name, where you are from and what you saw during your hike. Reading the responses were quite funny. One response to the view was, "I smelled a dead animal." Girl Scout troops were there, and that was sweet to see them enjoying the scenic views. Needless to say, this place is great for all ages. read more

Erna Nixon Park - Nice butterfly to take pic with - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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This small 0.75 mile walking trail boardwalk through oak scrub and marsh territory turned out to be a super win this past hot humid summer. The shade was cooler than the beach and offered natural sun protection. If you have the choice of doing laps on a trail versus the track at a school, the trail wins. We do 6 laps for almost 5 miles. There's a variety of wildlife: * Mushrooms, wildflowers and berries * Squirrels * Snakes * Birds * Tree frogs * Snails, beetles, ants, spiders Lovely old oaks covered with spanish moss offer attractive shade. Bathrooms and picnic tables and plenty of benches are available. Terrific for moms with babies and children of all ages, and seniors who require a more stable route. Railings are cleaned often for Covid19. Bring a mask in case of crowds and for the bathrooms. read more

Perfect park with raised boardwalk where the trees offer the perfect canopy to keep you cool from the sun's direct rays. The facilities are well kept. Plenty of parking. Cameras and attendants make you feel this is a safe place to enjoy. I was enamored by the natural beauty of this well kept park that I forgot to take photos, but I'll definitely be back. The only comment for awareness is the width of the boardwalk is not very wide so I can see on a busy day how it can be cumbersome. Around the first loop we had to politely go around one person and another nicely passed us, but around the second loop a ridiculously large group came at us and up the dock and then again at another spot. The dock and boardwalk so narrow it was uncomfortable since the bus load of family that came after we had walked a loop charged right through and didn't make a hole for others to get by. We would have gone for another loop but after the second interaction with the careless large group, we immediately left. Luckily we were going opposite them so could make a way through. I would not be happy getting stuck behind them since they weren't considerate of others around them. I am sure this is a one off but gives you an idea of the comfort level when too many people are there. Something to consider if lot seems full or if you see a bus! read more

Nice boardwalk-type walking trails and lots of trees and plants to learn about along the trail. They have special events and classes there which, you can learn about when you arrive. * The park opens early and closes at dusk read more

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Great little park in the middle of the city. If you ever get the chance to go when they do the moonlight stroll you should def. They had telescopes setup for us to look it. Just wish they had s better butterfly area. read more

One of the most beautiful and relaxing walks in Melbourne. The boardwalk is a 1/2 mile loop of native trees, ferns, grasses, and wildlife. Most of the walk is shaded; which is especially nice on hot, sunny days. read more

Erna Nixon Park - Every View is Stunning - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

This is a great park to walk around on a boardwalk, but not really any trails. They have a few "events" every once in a while, moonlight stroll, etc. I dig it. Lots of shade, and a pavilion with several picnic tables to enjoy lunch. read more

Erna Nixon Park - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Nice park in the middle of town. Great boardwalk through the park pointing out foliage and possible critter sightings. Took my grandchildren. They got to color, visit a room with reptiles and interesting history. Took a nice 20-30 min walk to burn off that energy they all seem to have. You won't be disappointed. read more

Erna Nixon Park - One of many trees w Spanish moss. - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Great Park has evaluated board walk trail above the ground. Has many benches to stop and relax on. You need a careful eye sometimes to spot the wildlife or Wild Orange or other Fruit trees. Has bathroom right before you go on the evaluated board walk trail. There are also Picnic tables. Has nothing to do with Richard Nixon or his Wife. read more

Erna Nixon Park - Tortoise eating on vegetation at the Park. - Parks Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

We went to a homeschool Nature Explorer's class here. It was very affordable at $2.00 per child and offered over an hour of activities. The leader was friendly and knowledgeable. We did a craft, game and nature walk. They also have a small room with live animals such as turtles and snakes. Sadly it started raining and rushed our walk. But from what we saw the grounds are lovely and diverse. We look forward to going again! read more

Great for morning walking or jogging. The occasional "moonlight strolls" are a nice feature. The path is well maintained and taken care of. A gem of melbourne. read more

I really enjoyed the trail and will definitely be back. It's great to not have to go far to experience the beauty of nature. I had no idea such a peaceful place existed right in the middle of everything. read more

A small, nice, relaxing, & quiet out-of-the-way place. It's not really a park where you have playgrounds & courts, but an approx. 1 mile "circular" & elevated boardwalk with 4 resting places surrounded by various trees/plants, a pavilion, a butterfly garden, & a nice little animal exhibit. The ranger, Cheryl, & her assistant, Ashley, are quite personable & you can tell they love their work & the people. Also, like a reviewer said, you have to keep your eyes open for the wildlife. Good exercise, too. Hope you enjoy this as much as we do. read more

Nice small native growth park hidden in city. Pleasant boardwalk with nice venue for flora and fauna Hard to believe its surrounded by city. Walk takes about 15 minutes read more