Visiting the Refuge
The Headquarters Unit’s outdoor spaces are open to the public from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. See the list of regulations for Refuge use in brochures available in kiosks around the refuge and in the breezeway at the Visitor Center.
Note: The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and on selected weekends. The Nature Store in the Visitor Center is currently open when trained volunteers are available. Regular nature store hours, including weekends, will be announced soon. Call 318-742-1219 (extension 111 for the store) to confirm hours before planning to visit exhibits and the store.
Directions: The Headquarters Unit is located at the west end of Sunflower Road, just outside the city limits of Bossier City. From the intersection of US 71 (Barksdale Boulevard) and Jimmie Davis Highway (LA 511) in Bossier City, go south about one-half mile on US 71. Turn right (west) on Sunflower Road and proceed to the refuge entrance at the end of the road. Drive through the gate and follow the main gravel road about one mile, bearing left at the fork in the road.
You may also download a printable hiking trail map before you visit.The Bayou Pierre Unit of the refuge is open to the public. From the blinking caution light at the intersection of LA 1 and LA 509 in Red River Parish, go south on LA 1 for 1.6 miles. Turn left (east) on Grand Bayou Loop/PR 401 and proceed 0.7 miles. On your left you will see the Red River NWR sign and a white house behind it. You may park at the house or go past the house driveway and turn in at the gate nearest the barn to enter the refuge and park in the gravel parking lot.
The Fish & Wildlife Service website provides maps of each refuge unit, including a hiking trail map for the Headquarters Unit and information about where hunting is permitted.
Overview Map
