Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area spanning 17,500 acres of bottomland forests, wetlands, lakes, and agricultural fields along the Mississippi River floodplain. The landscape encompasses multiple habitat types that combine to form a diverse and interconnected ecosystem.

The refuge was established in 1988 to protect a landscape that had been cleared for agriculture during the 1970s. This action allowed natural habitats in the floodplain to be restored and recovered over time.

The refuge serves as a vital stopover for countless migratory birds traveling along major flight routes during spring and fall seasons. Visitors can witness the sky filled with arriving and departing flocks during these peak migration periods.

The refuge can be accessed via Highway 452 north of Marksville, with the main entrance about 1 mile from where paved road ends on Lake Long Road. Visitors should prepare for unpaved final sections and may need a vehicle with adequate ground clearance.

The refuge manages roughly 500 acres of managed wetlands specifically to support the recovery of endangered species. One surprising visitor is the arctic peregrine falcon, which uses the area as a critical feeding and resting site.