We all wish we could spend more time outdoors, but we don’t always have enough hours in the day. The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is perfect for these occasions since they have three short and sweet hikes that’ll allow you a great outdoor adventure without eating up the whole day. Lace up those sneakers, because it’s time to hit the trails!

The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a beautiful, 103-acre nature conservation park that’s a perfect afternoon outing.

Staci Brimer/Google Established in 1997, the park is maintained by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, more commonly known as BREC.

Fun fact: The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center was the first nature conservation park BREC opened! Today the organization oversees over 150 parks in the Greater Baton Rouge Area.

Before you hit the trails, take a moment to check out the exhibit center.

Staci Brimer/Google The impressive 9,500-square-foot building showcases several live animal exhibits where you can learn all about the critters you may see along the trail.

After you’ve poked around the exhibit center, it’s time to go on an exploration.

S D/Google The nature center has three different trails, all of them under 0.5 miles, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. Two of them form an easy 0.8-mile loop. See - quick and easy!

Don’t let the length of the trails deter you, each step along the way is filled with beautiful scenery.

Jeremy Redmond/All Trails

The gravel and boardwalk trails will immerse you in some of Louisiana’s most stunning natural scenery.

Margaret GarciaKerns/Google Since the trails are so short and easy, it’s a great place to introduce your kids to nature and hiking. The nature center often hosts special events and programming geared towards our youngest nature lovers, too.

You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to an enchanted forest.

Jeremy Redmond/All Trails You’re only 10 miles away from downtown Baton Rouge, but you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from it all.

You’ll have some incredible views of the surrounding Bluebonnet Swamp.

Benjamin Pierrotti/Google Formed over 200 years ago, informative signs pepper the trail so you can learn all about the swamp as you stroll.

While you’re exploring, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.

Bill McLaughlin/Google

The area is home to several different animals, with the most common sightings being turtles, raccoons, possums, and swamp cottontails.

Brian Mooney/Google But you may get lucky and spot one of the park’s more elusive animals like foxes, coyotes, deer, or otters.

And don’t forget to look up.

Sudip Sinha/Google You never know “hoo” will be watching you from above!

The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is open Tuesday-Sunday, and the last admission to the trails is at 4:15. For more information, including a trail map and events schedule, visit their website, and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook so you never miss out on any special events and programs! If you’ve ever explored the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, share your experience with us in the comments below!

Staci Brimer/Google

Established in 1997, the park is maintained by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, more commonly known as BREC.

Fun fact: The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center was the first nature conservation park BREC opened! Today the organization oversees over 150 parks in the Greater Baton Rouge Area.

The impressive 9,500-square-foot building showcases several live animal exhibits where you can learn all about the critters you may see along the trail.

S D/Google

The nature center has three different trails, all of them under 0.5 miles, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. Two of them form an easy 0.8-mile loop. See - quick and easy!

Jeremy Redmond/All Trails

Margaret GarciaKerns/Google

Since the trails are so short and easy, it’s a great place to introduce your kids to nature and hiking. The nature center often hosts special events and programming geared towards our youngest nature lovers, too.

You’re only 10 miles away from downtown Baton Rouge, but you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from it all.

Benjamin Pierrotti/Google

Formed over 200 years ago, informative signs pepper the trail so you can learn all about the swamp as you stroll.

Bill McLaughlin/Google

Brian Mooney/Google

But you may get lucky and spot one of the park’s more elusive animals like foxes, coyotes, deer, or otters.

Sudip Sinha/Google

You never know “hoo” will be watching you from above!

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Address: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, USA