Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Mel G
2 weeks ago
Truly one of the best experiences straight out of NatGeo. I can t believe we came across a mother gator and her babies on the side of the road. I recommend taking your time going around the grounds.

  QUINNY
3 months ago
This is such a great area for viewing wildlife. There was a controlled burn while I visited, and I saw more white-tailed hawks snatching up ground squirrels running thru the smoldering brush. It wa crazy...sorry no good photos.Had lots of encounters with both flora and fauna alike.Check out my pics...!!!

  Ravi Bhatt
10 months ago
This place is a must for nature lovers. It has clean restrooms, and water is available but not for drinking. Please enjoy nature cautiously and responsibly. The only flaw for me was the two roads were so terrible in condition that I had to skip them instead.

  Lenny Handfinger
a year ago
This was a trip we thought would be a normal wildlife trail hike, it soon turned into to something quite different. The wildlife was beautiful, the trails extremely well maintained and marked. On the horizon to west-end of the park we saw a little smoke which seemed over a mile away. A small controlled burn in the Refuge soon became huge causing the outer roads of the park to be closed. The US Fish and Wildlife told us that with the light winds we should be fine and we could continue our trek in a limited area or could leave. Decided to stay, even had luch in the camper. #theroadlesstraveledRestrooms: A 10 From LenDog-friendliness: A 10 From Len

  Mikey Kay (Fire & Smoke BBQ Company)
a year ago
We had a great time at Anahuac national wildlife refuge today. We got to see tons of birds and gators. There s tons to do with both walking and driving paths. It truly is a beautiful place and I m very happy that we got to make the stop. You sure for sure check it out.

  Mel Gonz.
a year ago
I love this place, a great place to see wildlife and just relax. I read some of the negative reviews, and honestly people have to understand it's NATURE. You aren't going to see the same thing each time you go. Sometimes I go and see TONS of alligators, birds, flowers, etc ... and other times I go and don't see much of anything. Sunny days seem best for viewing, but today was overcast, and I saw so many gators and birds. The sunsets around here are gorgeous.I love the butterfly garden in spring, and I've seen wild bunnies in there many times. However, after spring it's pretty bare. That's just how nature goes. I always walk the boardwalk by the Butterfly Garden, and it always feels like heaven. The breeze, and birds, and peacefulness.After driving the loop, I often take the road to frozen point. I've seen many gators on that road, cattle, and even a bobcat. I just wish the "fishing" guys didnt go flying through there. They sometimes tailgate you and fly around you, which is risky considering there is wildlife everywhere, and the road is narrow. Calm down friends, I promise, you will get there!

  Roamer222
2 years ago
Awesome place to see wildlife in their natural habitat and it s FREE! There are 8 trails in total but if you only have. Time for 1 then I recommend the Shoveler Pond Auto trail BUT I highly recommend you walk it. You will miss so many animals if you drive. Walking we saw at least 50 alligators, alligator gar, rabbits, turtles and a nutria rat. Take bug spray and binoculars if you have them but you definitely don t need them. Also there are no warning signs but just in case you have small children make sure to keep them close because there is nothing between you and the wildlife. We felt very safe the whole time but we gave the animals a lot of space. Like is this review is helpful.

  Sevenn Marderosian
2 years ago
This place is unique, in a sense that you can photograph wildlife from your vehicle. There is road that borders a wetland on the left hand side that is teaming with wildlife. And there is a canal to the right hand side of you. There are also spots to pull off and exit your vehicle and a nice board walk to get out in the middle of the wetland. There are loads of gators for people visiting Texas that want to see a gator. I typically see 10-30 in a single pass. For birders and photographers, this is a paradise for anyone interested in wading birds or birds in general. From Ibis, great egrets, blue herons, roseate spoonbills and more. I recommend this to anyone seeking a Native Texas safari type drive!

  Leo B
4 years ago
First time here and I loved it. Downside is that there is no shade at all and the mosquitoes are ferocious during the day, and I was told by the nice lady at the welcome center that at nightime is when they get really bad. A few of the trails I didn't feel safe taking because there were just paths on the grass with bushes and tall grass on the sides. But have some elevated ones that are really cool. I didn't get to see any crocodiles out of the water but it still was a nice experience. I saw some people fishing just didn't really see any body catching anything.

  islandyogi Phil
3 years ago
Wonderful place to bird watch and ride a bike around on the road. We loved it out here. Wish they had more bike friendly trails but I like long rides. The paved 2.5 mile loop is more than enough of a ride for most.

  Ric G
2 years ago
Anahuac wildlife refuge is a place of amazement. It is humongous and has a a plethora of bird species here. A biological utopia. A birders dream. Me and my girlfriends list of bird species topped 70 the last time we visited! It's a hub for reptiles, amphibians and many mammals as well! During migration this place is a paradise. It has a butterfly garden that has a wooden walking path and grassy path as well. There are areas for fishing too. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to enjoy nature.

  Pedro Quezada
6 years ago
I enjoyed this visit very much. There are only a few walking trails. You'll have to drive to see most of the reserve. The roads are paved, so it's an easy ride. There are so many different types of birds and animals going on about their business, there's always something to see.

  Michael Staggs
4 months ago
Mosquitos were crazy. But the wildlife we saw made up for the blood we lost.

  Brandi Bourne
4 years ago
I could only go to the side that is the "yellow rail prairie." It was very beautiful but there were many areas closed off.WARNING the horseflies are CRAZY this time of year, I tried Deet, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, etc. but I still couldn't get out of my car without them attacking. I recommend wearing long sleeves.I am super curious as to how to get to the other side of this park though. It was upsetting that the entrance GPS took me to said "no public access."If you're checking out this park for anything other than fishing, don't bother going down the gravel roads, the best spot is the loop around the lake. Lots of birds, even caught two alligators popping their eyes out of the water. Great place for photography.

  Monica Fletcher
4 years ago
This place was awesome! We wanted to see something different from the ocean on our vacation and this is what we found! The walking areas are nice and off the ground. The first one we walked on we seen a gator. My kids are 12 and 15 and they loved it!

  john brown
4 months ago
This is not intended to be a negative review.My wife and I went Nov 24, 2023. We went through the main entrance and parked in the first area we saw. We saw a trail featuring butterflies that looked interesting and headed that way. We noticed a few bees, but heard what sounded like a hive. Not thinking I kept walking toward the trail as the noise got louder. As soon as we passed a covered eating area, that's when we saw the forming bee hive, of course bees were all around us too. Then we noticed a sign that said bees were working in the area. That's also when I noticed I was covered with about 25 mosquitos. That's about the time I panicked, ran back to the car and tried another area. This area too, was infested with mosquitos. And these were big ones, I actually thought they were some other kind of insects because I'd had never seen mosquitos this big before. Needless to say, our time at the park lasted about 15 mins.Full disclosure, neither of us were bitten. Also we spoke with someone who says she has come here for decades and never had problems with mosquitos. She and her crew were also packing up to leave because of them. So the mosquito thing is possibly a fluke. I would have taken pictures, but when your about to get 'done up' you tend to forget.Perhaps another time for us in the distant future.

  Greg Jackson
5 years ago
I love this Refuge for birding. In the winter, it is especially good. It gets full of ducks, geese and has a ton of raptors, including eagles that feast on the geese. Bring your camera. If you like to fish, there are great opportunities to wet a hook on East Bay.

  Jana Mantovani
3 years ago
Great drive through nature with easy alligator sightings. It became a game to see who could spot them first! Also pretty birds. Must see if in the area. We boated and kayaked this week in Louisiana and didn t see any alligators, so what a treat to see them here.

  T N
2 years ago
The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is a day-trippper's and photographer's paradise. The 34,000 acre refuge provides days' of exploring via hiking trails and miles of paved roads. It is also a migratory stop for more than 300 species of birds during the fall and spring which make it a great place for photography. ANWR is highly recommended for a free, family-friendly day of adventure. However, be sure to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and a camera!

  Brian Lyster
5 years ago
A great place for bird watching. The variety of birds change throughout the year. Great views of the bay when you drive that far. Go to the visitors center, the volunteers are friendly and helpful and love to share their knowledge. We always take a picnic to enjoy while there. Don't miss out on the Skillern Tract. It's a nice walking area.

  Gina Fernandes
5 months ago
Saw lots of lil gators and plenty of birds!

  Bear Blaisdell
6 years ago
Love going out to the refuge to see the wildlife. Its one of my go-to spots for bird photography.I don't recommend the trails in summer as the horseflies can get extremely bothersome.

  liane soukup
3 years ago
excellent....drive around the lake and see all the birds, turtles, alligators...all from your car! Spectacular sunsets directly on the Bay. Highly recommend.

  Coco Peng
2 years ago
I love this wildlife refuge! The roads are well designed and maintained. The pond loop is perfect for walking and cycling. It has great views.

  Stephanie S
8 months ago
Beautiful place. I loved going on the auto-tour.

  Susana Flores
2 years ago
Tons of Gators and birds out, have been back two weekends in a row, when people see my pictures, they want me to bring them. Heading back this upcoming weekend too. You guys wanna join me?

  Gs Wright
3 years ago
Love it.Met one of the game wardens. We had a great experience. I'm pleased with the fact he was helpful, friendly and is from the area.Great place to hunt but dont forget to have some moments of silence to take in all of the beautiful sunrises, sunsets and wildlife!

  Sarah Fleener
2 years ago
Beautiful day with lots of wildlife. Clean restrooms available. So many nice views. Plentiful waterfowl and other birds!

  Hemant Kulkarni
6 years ago
This along with other refuges and high islands are best places to bird around Mother's day weekend (middle of migration season). The loops have many pullout spots, for small birding trails. The place is buzzing with mosquitoes in summer. Sunscreen and bug repellent is must.

  Mike Jones
2 years ago
Wonderful birding place! Only problem: Road around Shoveler Lake is one way, one lane. It has pullouts but needs one or two more on each straight section.