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Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Houma, Louisiana · Terrebonne County

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge conserves and protects freshwater marshes in western Terrebonne Parish in south–central Louisiana. The refuge's freshwater marshes attract thousands of migratory waterfowl. Forested habitats provide critical spring and fall habitat for neotropical migratory birds. A unique habitat foun…

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About Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge conserves and protects freshwater marshes in western Terrebonne Parish in south–central Louisiana. The refuge's freshwater marshes attract thousands of migratory waterfowl. Forested habitats provide critical spring and fall habitat for neotropical migratory birds. A unique habitat found at Mandalay is called flotant marsh - a floating marsh. The refuge is intersected with levees and man-made canals, and bisected by the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge is a priority wetland conservation project of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan due to the importance of its habitat for waterfowl in the Mississippi Flyway. The refuge is the homeland of the Chitmatcha and Houma people who still live in the area today.

How to Get There

The refuge is located 5 miles southwest of Houma, LA. Houma is approximately 60 miles southwest of New Orleans, LA. The refuge is only accessible by boat. The headquaters is located 5 miles West of Houma, LA on LA Highway 182.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Mandalay 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 Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge?

No central reservation system listed for Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1498) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge is located 5 miles southwest of Houma, LA. Houma is approximately 60 miles southwest of New Orleans, LA. The refuge is only accessible by boat. The headquaters is located 5 miles West of Houma, LA on LA Highway 182.

How do I contact Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge?

You can reach the park at phone: 985-853-1078 or email: mandalay@fws.gov.