Restoration Park

Located near the Discover Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Center, Restoration Park is beautiful 70-acre forest and wetland park with several overlooks for relaxing. The 1.2-mile stone trail is perfect for jogging or walking as you take in the surroundings of the scenic lake with native cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.

Kiroli Park

Kiroli Park has something for everyone who wants to get moving in the outdoors. Jogging trails, mountain bike trails, tennis courts, nature trails, a fishing pond, beautiful gardens, and covered picnic areas span across 160 acres of park with forested areas and large playing area. Smiles Park is an all-inclusive park where all kids of all abilities can play together. There's even a place for the four legged members of the family at the Raising Cane's Dog Park, which is separated into two sections for large and small dogs.

Forsythe Park

Forsythe Park is a neighborhood park that hosts a wide variety of outdoor activities. The park encompasses over 53 acres with picnic areas with metal and wooden pavilions, park restrooms, bandstand/stage area, a nine-hole golf course, putt-putt golf, tennis courts, softball, soccer fields, and a children's park. Beach volleyball courts, a jogging path, and a public boat launch are located over the levee along the Ouachita River. The Monroe Advocates for Safe Streets (MASS) have developed six bike trails through the City of Monroe based out of the park.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Adventure awaits at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge! A Nature Trail boardwalk winds through bottomlands surrounding the lake, and the Wildlife Pier extends into the lake itself to offer bountiful opportunities to enjoy nature and watch wildlife. The boardwalk is perfect for getting your steps in for the day, and the pier offers a beautiful setting for yoga and meditation.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is an 80 plus acre zoological park and gardens with two miles of pathways winding around and through animal exhibits and beautiful gardens. On your walk, you will see over 400 birds and encounter 100 different species of animals. If you need a break, you can catch a ride on the train or boat, or stop to feed the budgies or tortoises.

discover the outdoors outside the lines

We hope you will take advantage of the many outdoor opportunities we have here in Monroe-West Monroe. While you're out there, be sure to take some pics, and tag us on Instagram and Facebook!