The visitor center was very informative with displays and helpful staff. Nice bathrooms. Nice overview walkway to the lake. We enjoyed walking on a .3 mile trail with singing birds and beautiful trees/greenery. A good stop to learn more about the river, animals, birds, snd area.

This acreage was once a private rice plantation. The visitor center has limited hours, but pre-Covid was a wonderful, small education center with classes and gift shop run by volunteers. Check ahead for hours. (Access to rest rooms and visitor center have been limited) Regardless, walking trails are accessible, running around Lake Caroline. The Lake is open to paddling (no engines) and fishing seasonally, Again, flooding and Migratory Birds Only may limit access to the Lake. Our favorite walking trails wind through ancient pecan groves, these great-grandfather era trees still bearing nuts in season. Heavy brush lines the trails, and of course, watch carefully for bunnies, birds, deer, snakes and bobcats which inhabit this area. Dogs are welcome on trails and leashed, pick up of poop required. You can also park in the gravel lot at the Visitor's Center, and walk or roll to the nearby end of a beautiful observation deck. Birdfeeders and rocking chairs are a magical place to hang out on the back porch. This is a gem.

My husband and I went to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge on a Tuesday afternoon. The visitor’s center was open but we did not go inside (Covid-19 times). The visitor’s center is nice on the outside. The backside of the building has a big porch with rocking chairs and a boardwalk that leads to Lake Caroline. There are ten trails in the refuge that range from 0.3 mile to 1.4 miles. Most of the trails start at the visitor's center. Lake Caroline is a great place to canoe or kayak. There are alligators in the lake but we did not see any. There is also a boat ramp and dock about a quarter mile south of the visitor’s center. There was lots of parking available. We are looking forward to a return trip someday.

When I travel I always stop at refuges if one is in the area. Although it was Sunday it provided a nice place for a walk. Close to town . Many nice trails both paved and dirt. Beautiful building and ground along Lake Caroline. Unfortunately winter time so birds were scarce. However large flock of white pelicans came in. Lots of woodpeckers too. Would like to return when center is open. I'm sure this is a must stop in the spring

One of the worst parks I've ever visited!! Trails are VERY poorly maintained with high grass, ant hills everywhere and no warning of impassable trails due to mud and stagnant swamp water...any other park I've ever been to with the latter problem has the trail blocked off or a sign posted at the very least. Also, signage to tell where the trail heads start nonexistent or in obscure places. Map wasn't very helpful either.