Red River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Opens
By: Josh Marcisz
Updated: January 13, 2012
The Red River National Wildlife Refuge has officially cut the ribbon to its new 3.8 million dollar visitor center in Bossier City. The visitor center had spent years in the planning and building process.
Louisiana Senator, David Vitter, and Congressman, John Flemming, were on hand for the ribbon cutting, but the day may have been most exciting for former Louisiana Congressman, Jim McCrery. McCrery sponsored the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Act in 2000. 'To see it actually sitting here today is quite a thrill,' he says.
The visitor center features wildlife exhibits and an indoor bird watching perch. Across a nearby walkway is an educational center that will serve as an outdoor classroom for dozens of Bossier Parish schools. Visitors are welcome to fish on the Refuge's lake from a pier. A boat launch will soon be added.
The visitor center will be open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and admission is free. Hiking trails will remain open during the weekends. The Refuge can be accessed at the intersection of Barksdale Boulevard and Sunflower Road in Bossier City. For more information visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
