About FoBB

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge opened in July 1997, and Friends of Black Bayou came into existence in August 1997. The Refuge consists of 4,500 acres including a 1,700-acre lake and beautiful wetlands. Besides the Visitor Center, originally a planter’s home built in the 1880s and renovated by Friends of Black Bayou.

The Conservation Learning Center provides excellent wildlife and conservation education to the public. There are live animal exhibits that includes aquariums with some of the area's freshwater fish like bream, white perch, gar, and catfish. There are snakes on display so people can learn about snakes in safety. There are usually four or five small alligators and turtles in the center of the room, in an enclosure that is safe for visitors AND for the animals.

What you'll find at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge:

visitor center with excellent interactive displays and a gift shop;
conservation learning center, complete with educational classrooms;
wetlands art project,
birdwatching/photography blind,
a 400-foot wildlife observation pier,
an observation deck,
a mile-long nature trail and boardwalk through wetlands,
an arboretum, and
many other opportunities for wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting.

Photograph of Conservation Learning Center

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located 7 miles north of I-20,
about 1.5 miles north of CenturyTel/CenturyLink, off U.S. Hwy. 165

Bring your entire family and learn about nature
while having fun outdoors.