Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Restrooms
- Conservation Area
- Natural Area/Nature Preserve
- Nature Trails
- Tourist Attraction
The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center provides the means for people to make meaningful, lasting connections to nature through environmental education and recreation opportunities while also exploring the relationship between people and Bluebonnet Swamp Conservation Area landscapes and how they have and continue to influence each other.
This 103-acre facility is dedicated to conservation, education, recreation and tourism in Baton Rouge. It houses an award-winning, 9500-square-foot building filled with live animal exhibits; photographic presentations of the site's flora and fauna; natural artifact and mineral displays; and a sizeable, vintage waterfowl decoy carving collection. Ecology and art exhibits are featured periodically.
Over a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks link varied habitats such as the cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia and hardwood forests. Wildlife is plentiful at Bluebonnet Swamp, including hundreds of bird species utilizing the site throughout the year. Birders can view seasonal species during peak migrations, as well as year-round residents. While snakes and turtles are commonly seen from the trails, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, deer and otter are also known to inhabit the site.
Founding Land Conservation Sponsors 1987-1997
BREC
Vulcan Chemicals
ExxonMobil
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
International Paper
The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana
Visit the Swamp
Pet Policy
The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center in Baton Rouge has a "no pets" policy except on designated days. Call 225-757-8905 for more information on our Dog Days program, when visitors are allowed to enjoy the Swamp with their canine companions.
Volunteering
Are local the the Baton Rouge area and interested in Louisiana natural science? Can you donate at least three hours per week to the nature center? Then BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp is for you. Contact BREC's Volunteer Coordinator at 225-272-9200, 1446 or volunteer@brec.org for more information.
Field Trip Information
The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center has options for educators seeking an exciting field trip. Check out our Swamp Education to learn more.
Community Tours
Community Tours are available Tuesday-Friday and Sunday at 2 p.m. January-May and August-December. Tours are only available on Sundays at 2 p.m. in June and July. Registration in advance is preferred due to limited availability
Swamp Programs
Looking for something fun and educational way to get your kids active? Check out our Swamp Programs to learn about Trail Time for Toddlers and Swamp School.
Annual Pass Program
| Pass Price Breakdown | EBR Residents | Out of Parish (+20%) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (age: >65) | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Seniors (age: 65+) | $20.00 | $24.00 |
| Students (College) | $20.00 | $24.00 |
| Family (4 person pass) | $35.00 | $42.00 |
| Additional person to Family Pass | $ 5.00 | $6.00 |
Annual Pass Holder Benefits
- Free access to the Swamp during operating hours
- Free admission to the Swamp’s General Admission Programs (ie. Dog Day, Flashlight Night, and Bird Walk)
- Discounted admission to Bluebonnet Swamp’s special events
Biz Pass
If your business is looking for ways to add to employee benefits, increase overall health and wellness, support the environment, expand team building, volunteer and get more involved in the community, then our Swamp Biz Pass is for YOU.
| BIZ PASS | 5 PPL | 10 PPL | 30 PPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year Biz Pass | $250 | $475 | $1350 |
| 3 Year Biz Pass | $675 | $1285 | $3645 |
| 5 Year Biz Pass | $1000 | $1900 | $5400 |
| 20% increase for out-of-parish businesses. | |||
Biz Pass Individual Pass Holder Benefits:
- Free access to the Swamp during operating hours
- Free admission to Bluebonnet Swamp’s special events
- 10% Discount to the Bluebonnet Swamp’s Beehive Gift Shop
Business Benefits:
- 50% discount off 8 hours a month of business rentals during operating hours
- A guided swamp experience (3 hours) including an animal presentation, trail tour and team building exercise
- Free BSNC magnet
Exhibit Building
The award-winning exhibit building is an impressive structure combining the natural tones of wood and the illuminating effects of light to create an open-air feeling. Young visitors will surely enjoy the live animal displays, as well as the touch tables that are covered with items like snakeskin, feathers, pelts, skulls and other natural artifacts. More mature audiences might enjoy viewing the carving displays and picking up some free educational materials at the information table. Guests can find a variety of nature-related gifts and souvenirs in The Bee Hive, while also observing a real, working beehive and hunting for the marked queen.
Small business groups (up to 40 people) using the center's conference room will find the beautiful surroundings of this site quite inspiring during breaks. Larger groups (up to 150 people) can reserve the entire building for evening events as well.
Rentals
Interested in renting a room at the swamp? Visit the special facilities rental page for more info.
