bluebonnet swamp nature center

P6586JZkarenf

Tucked away,off of Bluebonnet Blvd, you have to know where you are going to get there. It is a nice quiet place to enjoy nature. The visitor center in very informative

ronaldn443

I go to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center at one or two times a year visiting my grown siblings and a young grand son. It is amazing how quiet and peaceful it is, especially since it so very close to major streets and highways. As others have pointed out, there are several sets of trails that can be taken depending on how much time or energy one may have. Each time I have been there, I see more new shelters, observation decks, and bird feeders that have been installed. The building itself found at the start has a small entrance fee, but the many live animals can be seen inside the exhibit area.

K1374JFthomasw

Though I was raised in South Louisiana, my family was not. This was a great way to show the kids and wife the life and feel of a swamp without the need of a boat. The learning center was wonderful and the trails and walkways were well maintained. The staff was very helpful. Overall we spent about 60 minutes here. It was a nice way to pass a little time.

nola1961

We visited the center for a nature hike with a local boy scout group. Very informative. All of the scouts and parents enjoyed the visit. They also have an excellent family Halloween tour.

607cathyj

Very well worth visiting...a nice relaxing area. It's hard to believe it's located so close to I-10.

Yael47

I though it was going to be more interesting.It is just a pond and a small 5 minute trail,with a visitor center.I though I would be a couple trails since it said it was 101 acres.It was relaxing just for a walk but short.

sarahc107

Many visitors want to see 'swamp' but don't have the wherewithall or time to get out into the real swamp. This location has plenty of swamp, ponds, and general 'swamp' feel right in the middle of Baton Rouge. Be sure to where common sense shoes, as the paths can get mucky, and where some bug spray.When you first park you already have nature - a pond with plenty of turtles and fish. A lot of the kids would be happy just stopping there, so you encourage them to walk in further to the first stop - the nature center - which has a decent smattering of displays and animals on display. For young kids that often is enough, to see the turtles, snakes, spiders, and generally play with the exhibits about the local swamps.For the more adventurous, go walk the walking trails and check out the swamp from mostly elevated and boarded walkways. Try to find some quiet because when the kids stomping and chattering quiets you might spot birds and snakes coming out of hiding and crossing paths before the next group comes along. It really is a fun way to see the 'swamp' in a 'controlled' way, and right in town.

RobertF2011

Wonderful way to observe nature so close to the city. Walking trails are easy, benches to rest, and a couple of gazebos to get out of the rain. Needs a little upkeep here and there but overall nice place to walk, see nature, and get away from it all.

michellejeanette

this is not well maintained, but the staff are helpful enough. More maintenance required around site.

Brandoneagle2

Was in Baton Rouge for a quick trip and decided to visit the Bluebonnet swamp. Really enjoyed the wildlife as did my son. I recommend it for nature lovers.

MNroadtrippers66

The 102 acre Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a great place to experience nature in a large city. There are several trails you can take (a lot of it is on boardwalks) with varying distances per trail. We were there in June and it was extremely hot and humid - we opted for the shortest trail. We hope to go back when it's cooler and do a longer trail. Inside the Visitor Center, they have live exhibits of snakes, lizards, spiders, etc. as well as water, gifts, and a teaching area. Extremely affordable - the highest fee is $3.00.

314bradb

Me and my boo and the kids had a great day. My boo was kind of scared being in the woods but after it was over she really enjoyed it. The kids liked to look at the snakes. They even named them. Thanks

626christophero

The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a great place to take your kids for an educational, fun weekend adventure. WARNING- if you don't like reptiles, do not go here. That is the main focus of most of the exhibits inside the center and most of the animals in habitats inside are reptilian. My kids (2 and 4) beg to go here all the time. They also have a wonderful nature walk where you can walk along these raised paths through a swamp. Be prepared to see lots of snakes if it's warm. All in all, I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves getting an up close nature experience and doesn't feel like driving out to the bayou.

769martym

You'll need bug repellent but it's worth it to stop and walk through this hidden treasure. It has both a Outer (long) and Inner (short) trail, both of which have plenty of beautiful views and benches to rest on. No wild gators - if that's what you're after, go south about 50 miles and take a swamp tour. This place is about beautiful scenery, birds, lizards and the occasion rabbit. There are plenty of friendly (begging) red eared turtles in the pond by the entrance to the park, if you're absolutely desperate to see a swimming reptile. The reptile exhibit in the Center is great too.

LBoyer57

We enjoyed seeing a little local flora and fauna. We only did a small hike; there are a few other loops you can do. It was beautiful, lush, lots of wildflowers. We saw a couple of great egrets swooshing down regally into the thick greenery as we watched, and then found a speckled king snake just a few yards down the path, coiled up on a bush. The guy at the nature center helped us identify the snake. A nice, accessible nature walk but not a place where you're likely to see gators. At the entrance we enjoyed the magnolia trees which were blossoming and the many turtles swimming around the little pond. Use bug spray!