Bayou Segnette State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bayou Segnette State Park |
|
---|---|
![]() Picnic area at Bayou Segnette State Park.
|
|
Location | Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States of America |
Area | 676 acres (2.74 km2; 1.056 sq mi) |
Governing body | Louisiana Office of State Parks |
Official website: http://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks |
Bayou Segnette State Park is a cool place to visit in Westwego, which is in Jefferson Parish. It's located southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana, right on the west side of the Mississippi River.
Even though it's close to the big city of New Orleans, Bayou Segnette offers a chance to explore two special types of wetlands: swamps and marshes. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface, for different periods of time during the year. The marsh areas here were created when saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico flowed into the canals. This mix of fresh and saltwater creates a unique home for many plants and animals.
Contents
What Makes Bayou Segnette Special?
Bayou Segnette State Park is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and adventurers. It covers about 676 acres, which is like 500 football fields! The park is managed by the Louisiana Office of State Parks, making sure it stays a great place for everyone to enjoy.
Amazing Animals You Might See!
This park is a bustling home for all sorts of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for American alligators, which are large reptiles often seen in the water. You might also spot coypu (also known as nutria), which are large, furry rodents.
Other cool animals living here include nine-banded armadillos, known for their tough, bony shells. You could also see Virginia opossums, raccoons, and American mink. For bird watchers, there are red-tailed hawks soaring above, graceful kites, noisy red-winged blackbirds, majestic bald eagles, and bright red northern cardinals.
Fun Things to Do at Bayou Segnette
Bayou Segnette State Park has lots of activities for families and friends. Whether you love camping, swimming, or exploring nature, there's something for everyone.
Camping and Cabins
- Vacation Cabins: The park has 16 cozy cabins you can rent. They come with air conditioning and heating, so they are comfy all year round. Each cabin even has its own fishing pier!
- RV and Tent Camping: If you prefer camping, there are 98 spots available for RVs and tents. Each site has water and electricity.
- Group Camp: For larger groups, there's a special group camp area. It has a kitchen and dorms that can sleep up to 120 people.
- Comfort Stations: You'll find clean comfort stations with showers and laundry facilities, making your stay even easier.
Water Fun and Nature Trails
- Boat Launch: There's a boat launch that gives you easy access to the marshlands and waterways of the Bayou. It's perfect for fishing or exploring by boat.
- Swimming Pools: On hot days, you can cool off in one of the park's two swimming pools. There's a wave pool in the day-use area and another pool in the campground.
- Nature Trail: Explore the park's natural beauty on the 1-mile nature trail. It's a great way to see the plants and animals up close.