Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

"If you are looking for alligators, look no further"

The Cameron Prairie NWR protects wildlife and a rare ecosystem, the wetland prairies of Southeast Louisiana. This is not the swampland that is more common in the western half of the state, rather it is a giant marsh area with few trees but lots and lots of grass.

Take the Pintail Wildlife Drive and be amazed at how many alligators you see (as long as it is above 65. Alligators are cold blooded and they only come out when the weather is warm).  We saw alligators swimming in the channels and sunning themselves amongst the grasses. There are also deer, small mammals, and hundreds of bird species. Keep your eyes out for the Roseate Spoonbills which look a bit like flamingos hanging out in the water.

The Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitors Center is also located a short distance from the Pintail Wildlife Drive and is a must see. The building is new, exhibits are top notch, and the habitats around the visitor center are filled with birds, turtles, and fish. Kids will love it.

Bottomline: If you are driving through Louisiana on I10 and are looking for a great place to stop and let the kids stretch their legs while getting and education, this is a great spot.  

Disclosure: I toured the Cameron Prairie NWR as a guest of the Lake Charles/Southeastern Louisiana CVB. They did not ask that I express any particular opinions of any of the spots I visited and all opinions are always entirely my own.