Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is actually located in the state of Louisiana, not Wisconsin.
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Summary
It is a pristine natural area that offers visitors a unique and diverse wildlife experience. This summary will provide accurate information based on multiple independent sources.
Located in northeastern Louisiana, the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is spread across approximately 76,000 acres of swamps, bottomland hardwoods, and wetlands. It was established in 1980 to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species and preserve the natural beauty of the region.
There are several compelling reasons to visit the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. Firstly, it is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including over 300 bird species, such as bald eagles, wood ducks, and prothonotary warblers. Visitors can witness the annual bird migrations during spring and fall, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
In addition to the abundant birdlife, the refuge is also home to numerous mammals, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, otters, and alligators. Exploring the refuge's diverse ecosystems provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Several points of interest within the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge are worth visiting. One notable area is the Tensas River Overlook, which offers a breathtaking view of the river and its surrounding wetlands. The refuge also features a 7.2-mile scenic drive, known as the Wildlife Drive, where visitors can experience the diverse habitats and spot wildlife along the way.
Interesting facts about the refuge include its distinction as the largest block of bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the Mississippi River Valley. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society due to its significance for bird conservation.
The best time of year to visit Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and spring. Fall brings the spectacle of migrating birds, as thousands of waterfowl and songbirds pass through the area. Spring is an excellent time for birdwatching and witnessing the blooming of wildflowers.
To ensure accuracy, it is essential to verify this information across multiple independent sources, as stated in the initial request.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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