Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

480 Richland Pl|Monroe, LA 71203|(318) 387-1114

  • Admission: Admission: Free; Boat launch fee: $2; Canoe rental fees: $20 for 1/2 day (4 hours), $35 for a full day. Call to schedule
  • Hours: Refuge open daylight hours. Visitor Center open 8-4 weekdays; 9-5 Sat.; 1-5 Sun.
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Immerse yourself in nature at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This majestic 4,500-acre expanse of lake, swamp, bottomland hardwoods, mixed pine and hardwood uplands is a wildlife habitat with all manner of plant species and everything from small alligators and turtles to coyote, deer and a wide variety of fowl. Delight in the beauty of herons, egrets, orioles and red-winged blackbirds from the wildlife pier or bird blind. Walk on a nature trail that meanders through a forested wetland. Marvel at the quiet beauty of the 1,600-acre lake from the quiet of your rented canoe with stately cypress and tupelo trees towering overhead. The Visitors' Center, a restored 1880s Acadian house, offers interactive exhibits and a nature shop. Behind the center is a covered amphitheater for educational programs. Visit the conservation learning center with its mural of the lake and live animal exhibits of native fish and reptiles. Other features include an arboretum with labeled Louisiana native tree and woody shrub species, a photo blind, boat launch, canoeing, year-round fishing, and seasonal hunting opportunities.

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