lewisville lake environmental learning area

I was taken on a field trip to LLELA for a college environmental biology class, and it was an absolute pleasure. I've lived in Lewisville my entire life, and I had never known about this wonderful nature preserve in my own town. Its an awesome place for a weekend hike or kayak trip. Great place for families to check out at least once.

Very low cost to get in and it bench seats and several BBQ pits available along with rest rooms. They had trees and you could enjoy the sounds of nature around you.

Wanted somewhere new to explore and hike with friends and happened upon LLELA. Beautifully kept and maintained we took the 2.1 mile Bittern Marsh Wetland Boardwalk Trail that takes hikers through a bottomland hardwood forest. The Bittern Marsh itself was an extraordinary surprise - full of flowering lilies....Two viewing blinds allow visitors to watch birds and wildlife and take photographs. It was a hot day and it was terrific that most of the trail was through shaded paths. Attractive wooden boardwalks have pertinent quotes along the way....another nice touch. There is a $5 charge per person. Can't wait to go back and try another trail.

There is a lot to learn from the environmental learning center, or you can just spend time with nature and relax. On the several thousand acre property, there are hiking trails, kayaking, historical cabins and more. It is a great opportunity for kids and adults to be outdoors without leaving the city.

LLELA is fun for everyone who enjoys being out in the wild. There are trails, both improved and rustic for hikers of all levels. There is a log home on the property that will give hikers a sense of being a pioneer in TX. Bring you camera to capture the beauty and serenity that is found in every direction. If kayaking is your thing, LLELA has several ponds and a launch on the Trinity River. Like to fish? Bring your rod and tackle. Trails are also open to bikes. Great outdoor fun for the whole family!LLELA also offers summer day camp for the kids that focuses on conservation.

My husband and I wanted to explore a new area in Texas. It's a shame there is an entry fee, but I guess that is for maintenance. Lots of wildflowers and I understand the animals were moved because of the drought.

The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, or LLELA, is a great park with several well marked hiking trails through a couple of different terrain types. The Cottonwood Trail goes through several grasslands areas and back to an old Homestead; the Cicada Trail & Redbud Trails go through the forests, and the Bitten Marsh Trail goes over the wet marshlands and up to great bird blinds. All of the trails are fairly easy to do and can be completed in couple of hours.

Took my sons for a fishing class, was fun, we did learn a lot about the rules of fishing etc. The boys got a kick with the live worms but got a little board towards the end. Won't do it again, its more of a one time thing.

We went out this last December for this special event. Fun crafts for the kids and nice tour of the homestead cabin.

It's $5 a PERSON to get into what amounts to a oversized city park. There is little to do here. You have no access to the lake and are not allowed to hike to where you can even see it. There are basically 3 things to do here:Kayaking in stagnant snake infested puddles about a foot deep.Hiking on the hiking trails, and by hiking trails they mean 10ft wide gravel maintenance roads to the high voltage powerlines.See the pioneer house. A generic wood cabin built about 10 years ago that has generic Wikipedia information about it.I honestly don't know what the $5 park fee goes to besides occasionally running a brush hog through the "common areas." Only facilities in the park are a few port-a-potties and a picinic pavilion surrounded by weeds and powerlines.

I took my wife and 17 month old son out to LLELA just before christmas for a special event that gives kids and adults a chance to experience holidays on the homestead. The well trained volunteers were numerous (some in period costumes) and available to tell stories and explain how life was in the 1800's in Texas. They have re-constructed a farm house, smoke house, and garden. There was fresh gingerbread being cooked on the fire, wassail on the hearth, candle making, bird feeder making, and a chance to create an ornament with pieces of nature. The cost was $5 per person for entry with no extra charge for the crafts or snacks. There is a 1/2 mile walk into the homestead location from the parking area, but the road is wheelchair and stroller accessable. The LLELA also has camping, a buffalo herd, nature walks/hikes, and bird watching tours. We will definitly be back for more activities in the future, maybe even try some camping with our little one.