Turkey Creek Park

Walk the scenic 1-mile boardwalk along tannic Turkey Creek through a river forest of titi, maple, cypress and bay. Watch for Green Herons stalking minnows on low hanging branches over the water and Anhingas swimming in the creek. Mississippi Kites are common in summer and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Wood Thrush and Prothonotary Warbler breed here. During spring and fall migration, look for Louisiana Waterthrush, Swainson’s Thrush and Acadian Flycatcher; Cerulean Warbler has been recorded. In warm weather, visit on weekdays and early in the morning: this is a popular swimming hole, and the revelry of swimmers riding inner tubes downstream can make it difficult to hear bird calls and songs. The boardwalk is ADA accessible, but the city also provides rides on electric carts for the mobility impaired; call ahead to make a reservation. A second entrance, for the North Turkey Creek Extension, is located on W. College Blvd. You can access the scenic boardwalk and a canoe/kayak launch from this entrance.