Monroe by the Bend https://blogsmonroe.com/ Practical ways into Monroe and the Ouachita Parish landscape. en Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT Bayou DeSiard, Monroe: Plan a Land-Based Visithttps://blogsmonroe.com/bayou-desiard-monroe-guide/https://blogsmonroe.com/bayou-desiard-monroe-guide/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMTBayou DeSiard is a waterway through Monroe, Louisiana, including the University of Louisiana Monroe campus. Black Bayou Lake Trail: Boardwalk and Route Choiceshttps://blogsmonroe.com/black-bayou-boardwalk-trail-walk/https://blogsmonroe.com/black-bayou-boardwalk-trail-walk/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMTFor a Black Bayou Lake walk, compare the Nature Trail and Wildlife Pier with the concrete Arboretum and Prairie trails. Black Bayou Visitor Center: Check Before You Gohttps://blogsmonroe.com/black-bayou-visitor-center-guide/https://blogsmonroe.com/black-bayou-visitor-center-guide/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMTThe Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge visitor center is an education stop in a relocated historic house, but its building hours vary. Lakes Near Monroe, LA: Where the Water Ishttps://blogsmonroe.com/lakes-near-monroe-la/https://blogsmonroe.com/lakes-near-monroe-la/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMTFor a lake near Monroe, choose Black Bayou Lake for a close wildlife walk or paddle, Cheniere Lake for a local park-and-lake outing while a temporary… Black Bayou Lake: A First-Visit Guidehttps://blogsmonroe.com/black-bayou-lake-first-visit/https://blogsmonroe.com/black-bayou-lake-first-visit/Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMTFor a first visit to Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, check official alerts, building availability, weather, and the current trail map before… A First-Timer's Day in Monroe, Louisianahttps://blogsmonroe.com/first-day-monroe-louisiana/https://blogsmonroe.com/first-day-monroe-louisiana/Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMTFor a balanced first day in Monroe, Louisiana, begin with a weather-appropriate walk and wildlife viewing at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.