One of the best parts of retiring in Lacombe, LA is the nature you’re surrounded by every day. Living in Lacombe in your golden years promises you ample opportunity to bask in the wonder of nature. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy scenic nature when you or a loved one are retiring in Lacombe, LA!
Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park is a beautiful state park extending over 2,800 acres on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Nature lovers will love the picturesque views this park has to offer, from the hiking trails to the sandy beach area. The park’s facilities are well-maintained and clean, including the campgrounds, bathhouses, and lakefront cabins. Furthermore, it’s a family-friendly park that hosts a wide range of activities, including:
- Playing at the park’s water playground
- Birding
- Paddling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Boating
- Biking
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is Lacombe, LA’s very own natural treasure. The marshes are incredibly expansive at 23,000 acres, claiming the title of the largest urban wildlife refuge nationwide. The wildlife refuge acts as a habitat for a variety of species such as migratory songbirds and even the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. A highlight of this wildlife refuge is the Boy Scout Road Hiking Trail, a two-mile interpretative boardwalk trail that makes for an exciting spot to birdwatch, due to its convenient location in the Mississippi Flyway bird migration route. If you love the vast marshland and all the wildlife it has to offer, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a joy to visit!
Northlake Nature Center
Northlake Nature Center is a stunning nature preserve that offers three different ecosystems over 400 acres: ancient hardwood forest, pond-swamp, and pine-hardwood forest. This is a remarkable spot for nature walks, birding trips, and the various events this location hosts. The trails allow you to observe delightful varieties of animals, from beaver dams and ponds filled with turtles. The rare plants this nature center showcases are marked with both their common and scientific names, making for an educational experience with the local flora and fauna.
Camp Salmen Nature Park
Camp Salmen Nature Park is 130 acres of well-preserved history, tracing back to the late 1700s. This park is a delightful outdoor observatory for any nature lover to enjoy natural habitats rich in wildlife. Visitors are given the freedom to choose between wooden boardwalk trails and natural dirt trails for anyone feeling adventurous. The trails are well-marked and make for great sanctuaries for you to indulge in a quiet and peaceful walk. Additionally, if you’re bringing the little ones for the ride, you’ll be pleased to know that the Camp Salmen Nature Park features an accessible, clean playground that the kids will love!
The Trace Is the Definitive Louisiana Retirement Experience!
If you’re looking for a senior living community for your loved ones in the area, look no further than The Trace! Our senior living community in Covington, LA offers a transportation program that conveniently brings residents to their area attractions of choice, including nature spots. To learn more about how our senior living community can serve your family, explore our senior living options today!
