Forests, Wetlands and Lakes
A 1,600-acre lake lies within Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,300-acre preserve with lowland hardwood forests and a cypress swamp. A nature trail with a boardwalk winds through the lowland forests, and an observation pier extends into the lake. The refuge also has more than seven miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking. This means there are individual observation points by the water, as well as trails to explore on foot or by bike. Check current conditions for recreational visits before setting out.
A different landscape awaits at the 70-acre Restoration Park, a forest and wetland park with several viewpoints and a 1.2-mile stone path. The wetlands formed naturally on a former strip mine. The park also offers opportunities for education, research and recreation. Cheniere Lake, also called “Shenny Lake,” adds another distinctive feature: it is the largest lake in Ouachita Parish and covers approximately 3,600 surface acres at full pool. It was impounded in 1946.
Activities on the Water and on Land
A range of interests come into focus during outdoor stays. Ouachita Paddle and Provisions rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for use on the Ouachita River, Black Bayou Lake and Bayou Desiard. Availability can change, so confirm rental arrangements before making plans.
The Ouachita Parish Public Range offers archery and pistol facilities, rifle shooting at distances of up to 200 yards, and Five-Stand trap shooting. At OPSO Archery Park, the focus is on seven target or bag-target stations with marked distances from 15 to 60 yards. These two details offer a clear guide if you are interested in the different forms of target shooting.
Layton Castle is another distinctive place to visit. Guided tours and photography packages are available for its historic grounds. Tours must be arranged in advance. This is an important planning consideration if you want to include a visit to the castle in your trip.
Museums, Art and Gardens
The University of Louisiana Monroe Museum of Natural History was founded in 1962. You can explore it on your own or take a guided tour. The Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum offers a different perspective on the region: it preserves and presents fine art, historical documents and cultural artifacts that reflect the lives, heritage and ongoing contributions of African Americans in the region.
The Masur Museum of Art has a permanent collection of paintings, prints and sculptures and presents six to eight exhibitions each year. At Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, art and gardens are complemented by the history of the house, including the elegant home of Joseph Biedenharn, considered the first Coca-Cola bottler. The more than one-acre ELSong Gardens feature terraces, fountains, formal plantings and statues, with flowers blooming year-round.
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is another destination with something for a range of interests. The zoological park covers more than 80 acres and has nearly two miles of pathways. The options for a visit are therefore quite varied: you can explore a museum collection, an annual exhibition, a garden or a zoological park rather than planning around just one kind of attraction.
Getting There and Planning
Monroe Regional Airport offers nonstop flights to Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as commercial and cargo services for Ouachita Parish. Routes and schedules can change, so check current connections before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Monroe, West Monroe, Lafourche Parish, St John The Baptist, Richland, Pointe Coupee Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, St. Landry Parish.
Return to the main travel overview: Louisiana.
