Things to Do at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Complete Guide to Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge in Houma

About Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge sits quietly in the heart of Louisiana's coastal wetlands, about 45 minutes southeast of New Orleans near Houma. This 4,212-acre refuge might not be as famous as some of Louisiana's other wildlife areas, but that's actually part of its charm - you'll often find yourself sharing the trails with more alligators than people. The refuge protects a mix of freshwater marsh, bottomland hardwood forest, and managed wetlands that serve as critical habitat for migratory waterfowl and resident wildlife. What makes Mandalay particularly interesting is how it showcases the complex relationship between Louisiana's oil industry and conservation efforts. The refuge was established in 1996 on land that had been impacted by oil and gas operations, and you can still see some of the old infrastructure scattered throughout. It's a fascinating example of ecological restoration in action, where nature is slowly reclaiming industrial sites and turning them into thriving wetland habitat.

What to See & Do

Wildlife Drive

A 2.5-mile auto tour route that winds through different habitat types. You'll likely spot alligators, various wading birds, and depending on the season, impressive numbers of ducks and geese. The drive moves at a leisurely pace - perfect for photography.

Observation Tower

A wooden tower that gives you a bird's-eye view of the surrounding marsh. It's particularly rewarding during migration seasons when you might see thousands of waterfowl. The sunrise views from here are genuinely spectacular.

Walking Trails

Several short trails branch off from the wildlife drive, including a boardwalk section that takes you deeper into the marsh. The trails are generally easy walking, though they can get muddy after rain.

Alligator Watching

The refuge has a healthy alligator population, and you're almost guaranteed to see them basking along the water's edge, especially on sunny days. Spring through fall offers the best viewing opportunities.

Bird Photography Blinds

Strategically placed blinds offer excellent opportunities for photographing waterfowl and wading birds without disturbing them. The morning light here tends to be particularly good for photography.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open daily from sunrise to sunset. The visitor contact station operates Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, though it's worth calling ahead as hours can vary seasonally.

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission. No permits or fees required for general wildlife viewing and photography.

Best Time to Visit

October through March for peak waterfowl migration and cooler weather. Early morning visits (first two hours after sunrise) typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours to fully experience the wildlife drive and walking trails. Serious birders and photographers might want to allocate half a day.

Getting There

From New Orleans, take I-10 west to I-310 south, then follow US-90 west through Boutte and Des Allemands. About 15 miles past Des Allemands, you'll spot refuge signs directing you south on local roads. GPS helps here. The signage is decent, but you'll want backup since the final approach involves several turns through rural areas. The refuge entrance is well-marked once you're close. From Houma, it is a 30-minute drive north via LA-20 and connecting parish roads.

Things to Do Nearby

Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
Located in downtown Houma, this museum offers insight into the region's fishing and shrimping heritage. It's a good complement to your wildlife refuge visit, showing how locals have traditionally lived alongside these wetlands.

Southdown Plantation House
A restored 1859 plantation home in Houma that now serves as a museum. The house and grounds provide historical context for the area's agricultural past before oil and conservation became dominant land uses.

Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
Part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, this center in Thibodaux explores Cajun culture and the relationship between people and Louisiana's wetland environment. About 45 minutes from the refuge.

Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area
Another wildlife viewing area southeast of the refuge, offering a different perspective on Louisiana's coastal marsh ecosystem. Good for extending your wildlife watching if you're in the area for multiple days.

Tips & Advice

Bring insect repellent year-round, but especially from April through October - the mosquitoes can be relentless in the warmer months.

Pack binoculars even if you're not typically a birder. The distances across the marsh mean you'll miss a lot of wildlife activity without them.

Check recent rainfall before visiting - while the wildlife drive is generally passable, heavy rains can make some trail sections muddy and less enjoyable.

Consider visiting on weekdays if possible. Weekend crowds are never overwhelming here, but you'll have even better wildlife viewing opportunities with fewer people around.