From playing and relaxing, to biking and running, Bossier Parish offers several great trails and parks to explore. Below are five of the top options in the area.
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
Red River National Wildlife Refuge spans approximately 120 miles between Colfax, Louisiana and the Arkansas state line. Here you will see beautiful cypress trees, shrub swamps, and a variety of wildlife. They are a conservation and restoration driven organization so you can expect to learn about their efforts during your time there. Red River National Wildlife Refuge offers several trails that vary in distance and terrain type. Each trail offers breathtaking views with educational signs to inform visitors about the habitats of animals that are found in our area. Throughout the year, they offer paddling, hiking, fishing and hunting, and various educational programs. Families can attend their Saturday craft and activities that connect to their Story Trail book they are featuring at that time. These free interactive activities begin at 9 am and last until noon.
Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District
Cypress Reservoir and Black Bayou are located in Northern Bossier Parish in Benton and offer several experiences for visitors. If you are wanting to explore nature for the day, you can navigate one of their 12 walking trails. Their beach is a great way to cool off if you do not have access to a boat, or you can bring your boat and find a boat launch conveniently located inside the park. You can purchase a day pass for $5 for anyone over the age of five, with children under the age of five being free. Your day pass grants you access not only to the trails and beach, but also the Cypress Zoo. This zoo spans across seven acres and you can see a variety of animals, including deer and peacocks! Visitors can also visit the Cypress Nature Study Center, in collaboration with Bossier Parish Schools, where they can learn more about wildlife through stations and interactive exhibits. If guests are interested in staying on property, they offer cabins for rent in addition to campsites for tents and RVs.
Mike Wood Memorial Park
Located in a neighborhood in Southern Bossier Parish is Mike Wood Memorial Park, a 30-acre park that is loaded with a multitude of resources. In addition to their almost one-mile jogging/walking trail, they also have a frisbee golf course, playgrounds, tennis courts and even a swimming pool. To use their pool, you can pay per day or even purchase a season pass through the city. There are also discounted rates for families of four. These passes cover all pools maintained by the City of Bossier City. If you are wanting to host a family gathering, or even a birthday party, there are three pavilions that can be reserved through the City as well. Throughout the park, you’ll find several shaded areas to sit down and enjoy to take a break from the Louisiana heat.
North Bossier Park
North Bossier Park is a pet-friendly park that is located on Old Brownlee Road. This park has a variety of things for you to take advantage of. These things include, but are not limited to, pavilions, a playground and walking/running trails. The playground includes modular playground equipment and swings. There is also a climbing rock station and a splash pad for those warm, sunny days. There is also an outdoor exercise equipment station located near one of the two different trails. Conveniently located near this park is the Bossier Tennis Center. Visitors can continue on the larger walking trail to the tennis center to see about reserving a court.
Arthur Ray Teague Running Trailhead
This walking/biking trail is located in South Bossier and spans over six miles alongside the Red River. This trail way first opened in Bossier City in 1999 and since then, many locals have taken advantage of the multi-use trails. If you are wanting to test your endurance, you can begin your journey near the future site of the Live! Casino and Hotel and travel down to the Red River Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge. If you want to stop and take a break to enjoy the view, there are numerous covered tables throughout the duration of the trail. If you are wanting to go boating down the Red River, there are a few boat ramps that are for public use for a small fee.
For any of these parks that offer pavilions or gazebos for public use, they can be reserved through the City of Bossier City Office. Be sure to visit and take advantage of these awesome places right here in our own Sportsman’s Paradise.