480 Richland Pl
Monroe, LA

480 Richland Pl
Monroe, LA

“Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge opened in July 1997, and the Friends of Black Bayou group came into existence in August 1997. The Refuge consists of 5,300 acres including a 1,700-acre lake and beautiful wetlands. The Visitor Center was originally a planter’s home built in the 1880s and renovated by the Friends of Black Bayou.” - Friends of Black Bayou

480 Richland Pl
Monroe, LA

(Approximately 1/3 mile) “The prairie trail is located in front of the Visitor Center between the pond and the railway track. Historically, Louisiana had more than 100,000 acres of prairie habitat, most of which has been reduced to remnants along railroad tracks.”- Friends of Black Bayou. Keep any eye out, you might see some deer!

480 Richland Pl
Monroe, LA

(Approximately 1/2 mile) ​ “The wooden wildlife pier can be accessed from the pier parking lot or the Nature Trail. Walking on the pier, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and its wildlife. Look for alligators along the shore, turtles on a log, pied-billed grebes fishing, and herons and egrets sitting in the moss-draped trees.” -Friends of Black Bayou

480 Richland Pl
Monroe, LA

If you’re looking to spot a gator, try visiting in late spring and throughout the summer. Alligators tend to burrow underwater during the winter.

480 Richland Pl
Monroe, LA

We had so much fun exploring Black Bayou. We recommend that you too visit soon!