About Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 to provide valuable waterfowl habitat in the Mississippi/Red River floodplain as part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Due to its location in east-central Louisiana, the refuge is influenced by both the Mississippi and Central Flyways and the large expanses of shallow wetlands draw a diversity of waterfowl species. Although Northern pintails, mallards, wood ducks, and green-winged teal are the dominant species, blue-winged teal, northern shovelers, gadwall and American wigeon are also common during the fall and winter months. Large numbers of snow and white-fronted geese winter on the refuge. During the spring and summer months, a variety of migratory songbirds utilize the bayous, scattered forested tracts, and shallow marsh habitat. Numerous native species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and insects are common residents of the refuge.
How to Get There
The refuge office is located at 401 Island Road just west of Marksville, LA near the community of Fifth Ward. Follow Louisiana Highway 1 North from Marksville to Fifth Ward; turn left onto Louisiana Highway 1194 at caution light; stay on Highway 1194, following signs to headquarters building.An alternate route to the refuge from Marksville, Louisiana is south on Highway 115 to Little California Road, 3.3 miles to Island Road, the headquarters is 0.5 mile left from the intersection of Little California Road and Island Road.GOOGLE MAP LINK:Click here for a google map to Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge:https://www.google.com/maps/@31.1261651,-92.1299332,12z/data=!3m1!1e3
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1401) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge office is located at 401 Island Road just west of Marksville, LA near the community of Fifth Ward. Follow Louisiana Highway 1 North from Marksville to Fifth Ward; turn left onto Louisiana Highway 1194 at caution light; stay on Highway 1194, following signs to headquarters building.An alternate route to the refuge from Marksville, Louisiana is south on Highway 115 to Little California Ro…
How do I contact Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 318-253-4238 or email: grandcote@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
