Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge + Price Lake Nature Drive

The Lake Charles area of Southwest Louisiana has several wildlife refuges in the region, but few are as popular with the locals as Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. Rockefeller borders 26 miles of the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses approximately 86,000 acres. Much of the acreage of the refuge is composed of coastal marshland and a couple lakes. Most sections of the refuge are connected by constructed canals that traverse the 86,000 acres, making boats the preferred method of transportation through the refuge. There are two public boat ramps, and both are about 3 to 4 miles east of the refuge headquarters on the south side of Highway 82. Canoeing and kayaking are not permitted at the refuge due to safety concerns with large alligators.

The wildlife is abundant at Rockefeller, with the main attractions being fishing and birdwatching. The refuge is one of the most biologically diverse wildlife areas in the nation. Given the amount of people that like to frequent the park, you’ll probably have more luck with a fishing pole than you will with birdwatching. Visiting in the winter or midspring will increase your chances with the birds, but you can hear the intoxicating calls of the many bird species year round.

One of the attractions of the refuge is the Price Lake Nature Drive, which is the main public feature of the wildlife refuge. You’ll find many visitors lining the roadsides and docks with their fishing equipment. You won’t have to keep an eye on the fishermen for long before watching them reel in a catch. The waters here seem to be full of fish! Locals also like to come out with nets and traps for crustaceans such as crabs, crawfish, and shrimp.

It’s clear that the biological health of the refuge has been well-maintained by looking at the tall healthy grasslands and clear waters that run throughout the refuge. Rockefeller has been under Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries management for over 100 years and has served as a research area into marshland restoration. Taking a drive on the Price Lake Nature Drive might just be one of the highlights to your visit of Southwest Louisiana!