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Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
480 Richland Pl, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
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Di
Review №1

Visitor center closed due to COVID so we couldnt go in to learn about the place. We went to the observation deck but couldnt see through the trees. We went to the wildlife pier and also saw nothing.BUT...we love looking at the trees and bayou. Such unique beauty.

Rh
Review №2

A very interesting place with a lot of wetland biodiversity both in natural habitats and in the two little museums. There are quite a few pathways, trails, and boardwalks to explore the place on foot but simply driving through the paved areas was nice as well. My family and I went in April of 2018 and some of the trails and boardwalks in the wetter portion of the refuge were partially flooded as the staff informed us they would be. We saw three snakes up close in about fifteen minutes time (all non-venomous) in addition to a fox, some alligators, turtles, and various wetland birds.

Ke
Review №3

Best place for relaxation. Saw baby feets. Absolutely spectacular.

Me
Review №4

Great scenery and beautiful walking trails. Interesting stuff to check out in the visitor center

K
Review №5

This location is not well kept. There were several (5+) wasp nests under the map area. One stung my child. Also the area seems to be forgotten. I am aware that this is a nature trail. Just would have like to see it better maintained!

M
Review №6

Took my kids here and had a wonderful day together learning and sharing outdoor knowledge.

Ni
Review №7

Visitor center was closed at the time, unfortunately, but there is still plenty to see outside if you walk around. Down the next road, or if you walk the trail there from the visitor center, is an awesome, expansive deck that takes you out into the lake. A few posts explain what kinds of wildlife you may find there, and since it was winter we didn’t see much but it was a very nice day and the views over the water were very nice. Would love to go back another time and try to see some gators.

ma
Review №8

Love it here! Always quiet and lots of birding

br
Review №9

Really neat place to take an easy hike with the family. Neat learning information in the visitors center

re
Review №10

The river view was sooo beautiful and so calm and peaceful.nice scenic view. People living to sit and enjoy water and nature peacefully would surely love this place. I am a mature admirer so..I just loved the place..But take care as there are swamps..alligators exists. Take care while children are there. I am really not sure if fishing is allowed but there were couple of people who were enjoying fishing. There are 4-5 trails where people can jog and walk. That is also good.

St
Review №11

The boardway is being repaired but its a very beautiful place to visit

Le
Review №12

If you dont have time to make it way down south LA, this is a great stop to see what the bayous look like. Nice wooden paths take you through natural habitats of the bayou with all the sounds of birds, frogs, etc.

xp
Review №13

This place is amazing! Theres always lots of activities and festivities going on here and you get to interact with and learn about lots of different animals! The people who volunteer are SO SWEET and they always bring lots of cool and beautiful animals! Definitely go check this place out! I have A LOT more pictures, but these were all I had time to upload.

De
Review №14

Beautiful walking trails to explore. They can be a bit wet after rain so be aware. The water is gorgeous and the views are outstanding. Lots of informative plaques placed along the trails and boardwalks. We saw a raptor having a snake for lunch. Make sure to visit the visitor center. Lots more info there with interactive displays. (And bathrooms, :D)

Ri
Review №15

Beautiful place with clean trails. Great place to see some of north Louisianas wildlife and bayou county. The staff was nice and attentive. The have a little museum and gift shop I would recommend this place for all ages.

Ba
Review №16

Beautiful area with tons of walking, only down dud6e is that part of the main trail is closed.

Ta
Review №17

Covid has it looking run down. Red wasp are on the observation deck. (Huge nest) be carefull

ch
Review №18

Really nice to walk around watch birds, crocodile, turtle and anything you can find.

Ka
Review №19

Beautiful place to go for a walk, just relax or taking pictures.... also entrance to the water.... beautiful all the way around.... the pleasure of enjoying such BEAUTY and tranquility was what I asked for...for Christmas and this is where my love took me and I couldnt have asked for a better Christmas Day....️️

Ut
Review №20

Nice nature areas walking trails bird nest... And wildlife around...

Da
Review №21

Loved it. Lots of fun

De
Review №22

The website stated that the visitors center was closed but the outdoor area was open. However onky the hiking trails were open and everything else was blocked off. Disappointed I drove out there and not be able to go to the places I went there for.

Ap
Review №23

Beautiful! Very nice walking trails, albeit a little loud with the pebbles, so I scared off some deer before I even got close enough to get a good look! Loved the boardwalk but some of the boards were loose and I was afraid that stepping on the wrong one would send me plunging into the bayou.

Di
Review №24

The walking trails were very nice, If going Id advise going in October. Its very nice for sight seeing

Ja
Review №25

Its so beautiful...great wildlife to be photographed...but I hate that they havent repaired the docks to be able to walk completely around the nature trail. A real shame.

Mi
Review №26

Its really large and very close to nature. The different things Ive seen on all my trips are incredible. There are alligators and some really big ones. I enjoy kayaking to really enjoy my trip. There is a marked kayak path that you can take. The best advice I have is if you are kayaking the water vegetation is so thick in the late summer its almost impossible.

Am
Review №27

Very nice during sunset!

Ka
Review №28

Was a great night with the family! We did the full moon walk and it was spectacular!

Je
Review №29

I live on the other side of the refuge. Great place if you enjoy the outdoors. They have some nice decks and walkways for a hike. Just beautiful.

Ir
Review №30

Great place. The education center has beautiful displays and live animal exhibits. The nature trail is holding up well and, surprisingly, has few mosquitoes! I love the emphasis on pollinator habitat!

Ja
Review №31

Very calm and relaxing. Great place for photography and trail walks. Fishing and boating are nice to participate in as well

Ha
Review №32

A visit to the bayou is always nice

Ti
Review №33

Awesome place to walk and see nature close to town.

no
Review №34

Love Black Bayou National wildlife Park took some really cool photos of a few baby Alligators.. P.s there are big ones out there so stay on the Pier..

Ke
Review №35

So amazing! Beautiful interpretive walking trails and boardwalk out to the bayou lake. The visitor center had a cute gift shop and one building had live animals that live in the bayou.

Ms
Review №36

Lovely place to visit, wish had time to hike the trails.

TO
Review №37

Beautiful quiet area to kayak

Ed
Review №38

Wonderful!! Me,my sister and her grandky

Ch
Review №39

Always a good walk through the trails. The museum has some great stuff in it too! The kids like coming here! It’s also free.

Na
Review №40

Very pretty place thats fun for the full family. Highly recommend

No
Review №41

Its a short nature walk, but the trail is well maintained. Beautiful scenery. The main trail is right at one mile.

Cr
Review №42

Nice way to spend some time. Saw alligator and different bird peir does need to be repaired cause u cant walk all the way around. Renting kayak next time we go highly recommend it if u need to stretch your.legs

Sp
Review №43

Every season displays majestic views of swampland, marsh fields, various aquatic creatures and many forms of reptile. Hiking trails meandering through the lowland swamp. Keep your eyes peeled, along the trail, for Gators during the wet season

Br
Review №44

Very educational!! Nice courtious staff.

Su
Review №45

Enjoyed the walking trails!

Wa
Review №46

Very nice wildlife refuge, when will they fix the pier?

Ja
Review №47

Good scenery. Full of wildlife. Lots of gators! Kayak and canoe rental. Really nice info center with great people to show you around.

He
Review №48

A beautiful park!

Cr
Review №49

Great place for family pictures and nice little trails.

Ma
Review №50

It was really nice, educational,the kids had a great time,they got all kinds of treats,they saw things they hadnt experienced

Ki
Review №51

This was a great 2 hour stop. Neat trails and a chance to stretch our legs. So glad we stopped. Being from WI, we dont get to see the bayou. The closest thing were have to it is our swamps.

Du
Review №52

Naturally beauty at its finest.

Ch
Review №53

Its a great place to take your kids to experience nature!

An
Review №54

I got to see a alligator

Za
Review №55

The staff was very helpful and the new additions were nice. More people should go visit. Its nice to see a little exhibit of our local wildlife there

Cy
Review №56

Exactly like the name, wildlife refuge good for fishing and observation. Definitely not for water skiing

Ch
Review №57

I went to the adults-only Full Moon Nature Walk that Black Bayou was hosting. It was so calm and peaceful. I absolutely loved it, and we were going to head slightly toward the water when I heard a slithering type splash that sounded more alligator to me than anything else. It led my companion and I to turn around and swiftly walk in the other direction but it did give us good conversation all the way to the car.

Ha
Review №58

I enjoy going here. They have amped up the entertainment and I loved the canoing on the lake. Do use your mosquito spray it is wildlife in Louisiana. They have 2 museums, many trails(well kept clean), and lots to do. Just check there facebook page for events. Worth the long drive back to the site.

Al
Review №59

There are lots of bugs and spider webs in the trail. Be careful, you might run into a spider web. Its worth going because of the beautiful mother nature.

Br
Review №60

Beautiful scenery and wildlife photo options. We saw several smaller alligators, rabbits, turtles, and snakes. Part of the wooden walking path that goes out on the water with the two gazebos, is blocked off right now. Therefore you cant walk thru, but you can access both from the parking lot pathways.

Te
Review №61

Really awesome place to visit. Its serene and a great place to check out. If you are looking to take great nature shots then this is a great place to be although you may have more photo ops once the winter season is over. Not many animals are active. The staff is friendly as well as the patrons. You may run unto one of the regulars whos a really nice gentleman in that he gave me some great photography tips.

Ed
Review №62

This had alot of trails to walk through it is a fun place if you like nature i will be going back as soon as i can

Ma
Review №63

The walk to the lake part was closed. This should be posted before you walk all the way to the pier opening.

Da
Review №64

An ok stop. Section of pier out since 2016. One observation deck gives you pretty much nothing to view. Ok if nothing else to do.

ke
Review №65

Very nice!!!! Maybe some benches along the . I wanted to circle around and ended up on the otherside of the park. That was a long trek back to the vehicle. Overall a great time.

la
Review №66

This is a treasure to our community.

Ch
Review №67

Great Public Park! Family friendly and educating!

Ji
Review №68

Would love to come and visit but was told it is not handicap assessable.....So I will give it one star because I have to...I know I see it is wheelchair assessable but I use a small scooter...besides I have no one to push me!!!!!!!

Li
Review №69

My 3 year old grandson Peyton had so much fun. We got to see a water snake that swam right by us as we walked on the pier. Very exciting! He loves the toys we got at the historical shop. Thank you!

Je
Review №70

One of my favorite places in the world! My grandchildren had so much fun! My mother in law lives right up the road and has for over 50 years on bayou Desaird. My husband grew up there and now our grandchildren come there. Wonderful place to see bayou life!

Re
Review №71

Black Bayou is one of the best resources we have in the area for natural beauty, learning for kids groups, photography, nature walks, and much more.

Ar
Review №72

My sons and I went there for the blood moon fest. They had a blast making Smores buy the camp fire!

Ta
Review №73

Nice clean place

Me
Review №74

Best place ever for photography nature and learning

To
Review №75

I loved the boarded walk ways!! It really says Louisiana!!

Ru
Review №76

Amazing views with my gorgeous wife

Do
Review №77

I love the full moon walks

G
Review №78

Fun experience as long as your being bug spray.

Ch
Review №79

Black Bayou is a beautiful place to visit. It has plenty of activities to enjoy. You can hike, canoe or kayak, and for the photographers, there are plenty of opportunities for you as well! They have a gift shop and classes for the kiddos. Check them out on Friends of Black Bayou.

Br
Review №80

Hands down, my favorite place to visit. Full of wonderful wildlife and helpful people.

th
Review №81

Each time I visit Black Bayou my wife and I are impressed by the profusion of wildlife. Take your camera because Its very good for photography, there are great opportunities each time we go. The walkways and paths take you right where the animals and birds can be seen, and with canoe hire you can get out into the lake.Its very peaceful and if you dont yell and crash about youll see reptiles and birds close to the paths, there are benches placed at thoughtful intervals so that you can sit quietly and watch whats happening.

As
Review №82

Very clean nice place to get away

Sy
Review №83

I love this place. I make it a point to take my grandkids there anytime Im in town. The people in the gift shop and service area are knowledgeable and always kind.

Ca
Review №84

It was amazing got to see my first alligator and the lady in the visitor center was so nice

Ch
Review №85

Very beautiful and the talk was fun and educational!

Da
Review №86

Great place to walk and enjoy the peace in the Bayou

An
Review №87

Cool!! Calm!! Close to Nature!! That’s how I found this place to beA very good place to take your fishing gear and some beer with friends!!

sh
Review №88

Awesome place

Do
Review №89

Beautiful place to explore outside and interesting displays inside, plus a nice gift shop

Do
Review №90

Hidden treasure with walking trails and a nice pier way out over the water. Seeing an alligator is quite common. They rent canoes if you are feeling bold. One cement path has trees which are labeled so children (and adults) can learn how to identify them.

JO
Review №91

Visited for a short time, but impressed with the staff. Beautiful place.

Ra
Review №92

It is so relaxing to walk the trails there. We saw snakes, lizards, birds and baby alligators. My daughter loved it!

Ba
Review №93

Very nice place, lot to learn about louisiana wildlife.

Mi
Review №94

Really enjoyed the trail, activities and displays. Definitely going to come visit again with my family.

Ri
Review №95

Great place to hang out!

De
Review №96

Great place for photography.

Da
Review №97

Pier is out... Could be fixed easily.

Da
Review №98

You know, this is a beautiful lake but it is full of gators like you wouldnt believe and so full of weeds and submerged weed mats that it is difficult to fish. Great place for bird watchers.

An
Review №99

Black Bayou is a beautiful place to go visit and take the family!!! Most people like to go here and take pictures, fish, and walk around and look at the sights. Its a really nice place.

Ma
Review №100

It is a neat little place with friendly employees

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:480 Richland Pl, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
  • Site:http://fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake/contactus.html
  • Phone:+1 318-387-1114
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Nature preserve
  • Wildlife refuge
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–4pm
  • Tuesday:8am–4pm
  • Wednesday:8am–4pm
  • Thursday:8am–4pm
  • Friday:9am–5pm
  • Saturday:1–5pm
  • Sunday:8am–4pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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