Outdoor Recreation | Things to do | Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana

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Outdoor Recreation

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
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.
Hours: Refuge open daylight hours. Visitor Center open 8-4 weekdays; 9-5 Sat.; 1-5 Sun. Cost: Admission: Free; Boat launch fee: $2; Canoe rental fees: $20 for 1/2 day (4 hours), $35 for a full day. Call to schedule
480 Richland Pl Monroe, LA 71203	Web: www.fws.gov/refuge/black-bayou-lake
Tel: (318) 387-1114

Cheniere Lake Park
Beautiful 3,000 acre lake, covered picnic areas, playground, boat launches and climate-controlled lodge available for weddings, receptions and reunions.

104 Cheniere Lake Road West Monroe, LA
Tel: (318) 387-2383

Chennault Park Golf Course
An 18-hole, par-72, 7,042-yard municipal course with flat wooded landscape. Driving range and carts with GPS systems. Check out the 2007 Buick Open Winner Brian Bateman's trophy display. Hint: Look out for the 18th hole - it's par-4 with water all the way down the right side.

8475 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71201
Tel: (318) 329-2454

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation & photography. Boat launch, observation tower & walking trails. Scenic Bayou D'Arbonne.

Highway 143 in Union Parish - 10 miles north of West Monroe Farmerville, LA 71241	Web: www.fws.gov/darbonne
Tel: (318) 726-4222

Forsythe Park
A neighborhood park encompassing over 53 acres with picnic areas with metal and wooden pavilions, park restrooms, bandstand/stage area, a 9-hole golf course, putt-putt golf, tennis courts, softball, soccer fields, and 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 6 bike trails through the City of Monroe based out of the park.
Hours: Park closed from 12:00 AM (Midnight) until 5:00 AM Daily
2300 Sycamore Monroe, LA 71202	Web: www.monroela.us
Tel: (318) 329-2442

Frenchman's Bend Golf & Health Club
This beautiful, semi-private, championship 18-hole, par-72 gold course features undulating greens, 5 sets of tees, driving range and restaurant. The tips play at 6,900 yards. Hint: Keep the ball down low as the wind is a factor on this course.
Hours: Tues- Sun 7:00 AM- 9:00 PM
1484 Frenchman's Bend Road Monroe, LA 71203	Web: www.frenchmansbend.com
Tel: (318) 387-2363

H2 Go Paddle
Rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards from this shop! Load them in your vehicle and head to the Ouachita River, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, or Bayou Desiard. Plus, this shop sells specialty accessories and gear for paddling and camping adventures.
Hours: Tues-Fri: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Sunday and Monday
208 Trenton Street West Monroe, LA 71291	Web: www.h2gopaddle.com/
Tel: 318-372-8801

Kiroli Park
160 acres of park with forested areas and large playing areas, including the Smiles Park an all-inclusive park where all kids can play and the Raising Cane’s Dog Park, which is separated into two sections for large and small dogs. Jogging and nature trails, a fishing pond, beautiful gardens, covered picnic areas, and a theatre stage for performances. Home to the Ballet Under the Stars in the spring. A climate-controlled lodge is great for receptions and family reunions.

820 Kiroli Road West Monroe, LA 71291
Tel: (318) 396-4016

Lazarre Park
Located over the levee along the Ouachita River, this park offers disc golf and a boat launch. It plays host to the Ronald McDonald House Annual Big Bass Tournament in May.

Corner of Hamilton & Thompson Street West Monroe, LA
Tel: (318) 396-4016

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
This is an 80 plus acre zoological park and gardens for family fun and education with almost 2 miles of pathways wondering through animal exhibits, park like grounds and gardens. Don’t miss the Zooasis Splash Pad, playground, Safari Boat ride, and the Train (Opening Summer 2018). You can see over 400 birds and animals with over 100 species. Areas include the Land Down Under, The Louisiana Purchase and a petting zoo. Want to bring a group? We offer group rates and you can rent a pavilion for your family or business events. Enjoy hours of fun at a family friendly price.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Cost: Adults $4.50, Seniors $3, Children $3, 2 & under are free. Call for group rates.
1405 Bernstein Park Drive Monroe, LA 71210-0155	Web: www.monroezoo.org
Tel: (318) 329-2400

Municipal Golf Course in Forsythe Park
Better known as "Muny," this 9-hole, regulation-length golf course with driving range can give a golfer a fun experience at any skill level. Hint: Have the putter on target as the greens are turtleback.
Hours: 7 days a week: Hours vary by season
2500 Sycamore Street Monroe, LA 71201
Tel: (318)807-0534

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Training Center & Public Range
The Public Range at the OPSO Training Center includes a Firing Range as well as an Archery Range. The Archery Range features a youth area, elevated shooting, and walk-thru bag & 3D range.

357 Sheriff Richard Fewell Road West Monroe, LA
Tel: (318) 807-1188

Ouachita Wildlife Management Area
This bottomland hardwood forest restoration-in-progress is nestled on 8,747 beautiful acres and features three reservoirs located on an agricultural tract and offers crawfishing opportunities, as well as fishing for bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass. A camping area that is located on eight secluded acres is also available.
Cost: $15 WMA hunting permit-for hunting only. Must have a current hunting or fishing license or a LA Wild stamp when entering WMA.
120 Bud Smith Road Monroe, LA 71202	Web: www.wlf.louisiana.gov
Tel: (318) 343-4044

Proven Grounds
Those with an adventurous spirit will love this ultimate 3 mile “Obstacle Trail Adventure.” The course includes intimidating terrain, sandy trails, rolling hills, muddy pits, and challenging obstacles. Proven Grounds also hosts 5k races, concerts, family events, and more.

140 Ernest White Road West Monroe, LA	Web: www.facebook.com/pages/Proven-Grounds/261999930570709?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal
Tel: (318) 323-7276

Restoration Park
A beautiful 70-acre forest and wetland park with several overlooks and a 1.2-mile stone trail for jogging, walking, or relaxing. Surrounds a scenic lake with native cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.

700 Downing Pines Road West Monroe, LA 71209
Tel: (318) 322-8903

Russell-Sage Wildlife Management Area

Cost: $15 WMA hunting permit-for hunting only. Must have a current hunting or fishing license or a LA Wild stamp when entering WMA.
Within the Bayou Lafourche flood plain -- 7 miles east of Monroe Monroe, LA	Web: www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wma/2777
Tel: (318) 343-4044

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation & photography. Boat launch & accessible fishing pier. Scenic river road.

Along the Ouachita River - Union & Morehouse Parishes Farmerville, LA 71241	Web: www.fws.gov
Tel: (318) 726-4222

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