Having recently returned from Kenya where everything is a safari, a walk on the beach, a boat ride to a island, a car ride through a national park--I think I would consider this site to be a safari for birders. Out in the open on native Texas prairie (similar in feel to the serengeti) you can see all type of birds as well as catch different fish, and see deer. Located in an area like a national park with a visitor center and guided tours at 2 PM, you don't feel like you are anywhere near civilization, yet it is only 1 hour north of Dallas farthest northern boundary, near Sherman. It is, perhaps, Dallas' best kept natural secret. When I was there there were hardly any other visitors. One unique feature, the preserve is also the cite of many working oil wells. So if you've never seen one, you can also do that here! There are hikes as well as car drives. It's very dusty, as is the true prairie. Do don't go in your Sunday best!
I love visiting Hagerman. The refuge is a great place to do a little birding. The newly built visitors center has great interactive learning centers for children & adults. They also usually have some type of presentation on the weekends. They usually start early (9-10am) since it tends to be so hot during the summer. Most the tours are self guided. You can get a map at the center and go at your own pace. Some places are closed off during mating season though. There are clear signs indicating this. Fun place for families or couples.
While we were in town for a few days visiting family, had some time to spare so we drove out to the refuge. Found it on trip adviser. Was surprised at the facilty, really nice. Migrating ducks and geese everywhere.They also have some nice hiking trails. Worth the time to come out and explore by walking or driving.
Just returned from Hagerman. This is a really nice U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service park with a wonderful "new" visitor center. There is no charge, but donations are welcomed. The park visitor center is staffed by a dedicated volunteer staff. On Saturdays, the park offers a tram tour provided by the enthusiastic and informative volunteers. I recommend the tram tour, and the nature trails are nice. This park is a day trip from DFW. Great winter birding!
Nice area for bird watching. Nice visitor center. Worth a visit. This was our second visit. We liked it so much the first time we had to go back.
Watch for Eagles and lots of other wildlife..knowledgable volunteers to educate about the area, and the animals that visit the preserve.
This wildlife refuge has 5 beautiful, well-maintained hiking trails up to five miles long, as well an auto wildlife viewing route, fishing, picnicking and a beach (though swimming is not permitted). We most enjoyed, however, the tram tour of the refuge--it was led by an impressive volunteer who was very knowledgeable about birds and wildlife. Tram tours run Saturday and Wednesday at 10 and Sunday at 2, but we were advised to call for reservations as they do fill up. They also have free, monthly activities for kids and wildlife lectures for adults. This refuge is a fun, free day-trip from Dallas for couples and families!
Huge driving, hiking, biking area with great views of birds and animals right on Lake Texoma. Free entry to park and new visitor center. Several viewing stations, information, helpful volunteers. Cute gift shop, spotless restrooms and many picnic areas. Free tram tour on the weekends, call ahead for reservations.
I was staying at Eisenhower State Park and decided to visit the Wildlife Refuge. I highly recommend it. The visitors center is beautiful and if you are so inclined, you can sit out back and look over the refuge. I highly recommend the tram tour. The tour guide was extremely informative and had a real passion for birds. I do not consider myself a bird person but with a pair of binoculors, I got into it. We went in mid-March and while there were not too many birds, I still enjoyed my time there. The employees in the visitors center and were extremely nice.
Loved the staff and refugee. The gift store was a real value. ie hickory walking stick for $15.00.. A few of the dirt roads rough. The heat in mid afternoon suspended activities