Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Cast a line, watch for waterfowl and look for elusive black bears at this northeast Louisiana outpost.
Poverty Point Reservoir is a 2,700-acre manmade lake set against the wide, flat Mississippi Delta bottomlands, and this state park is a haven for anglers, birdwatchers, families, weekend adventurers and travelers looking to explore rural north Louisiana.
Largemouth bass, sac-à-lait (crappie), catfish and bluegill are plentiful in these waters, and on weekends you’ll find boaters casting lines from dawn ’til dusk.
Birders also flock to Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. Because this section of Louisiana is part of the Mississippi Flyway (a major migratory route across the continental U.S.), native and non-native bird species can be spotted in the park. One of the best vantage points for birdwatchers is on the half-mile trail bordering Bayou Macon.
On the trail, you might be lucky enough to spot one of the park’s shyest friends: the Louisiana black bear, which was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2016. Tread lightly and ensure all food and refuse are stored safely. Bear-proof containers are available for park visitors.
Overnight visitors are in for a treat, thanks to the manmade peninsulas stretching into Poverty Point Reservoir that hold waterfront cabins. Choose from one of eight deluxe cabins or four lodges. At the park’s south end, more than 50 RV campsites are available.
Attractions outside the park also focus on outdoor activities. Black Bear Golf Club in Delhi is part of Louisiana’s celebrated Audubon Golf Trail, and nearby Poverty Point World Heritage Site features 3,000-year-old Native American mounds and artifacts. In Monroe, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum tells the story of a local war hero.
Entrance fee: $3 per person; free for seniors 62 and older, and children 3 and younger
