Union: Discover Nature, Water and Culture
Accommodation in Union
A Natural Area Between Water and Forest
Union opens up a journey among tranquil waters, cypress swamps, forests and regional culture. A distinctive natural area is the 655-acre Lake D’Arbonne State Park, with pine forests, gentle hills and five fishing piers. Those who enjoy combining nature and time by the water when planning a trip will find a variety of options here for active and more relaxing vacation days.
The D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge is located in Ouachita and Union Parishes on both sides of Bayou D’Arbonne, near its confluence with the Ouachita River. The protected area encompasses more than 17,500 acres of cypress swamps and forests. Bayou D’Arbonne crosses the refuge for 13 miles and is part of the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System. At the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge on the western edge of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, there are additional extensive cypress swamps and forests: the area covers more than 53,000 acres.
Water, Wildlife and Personal Priorities
The natural areas accommodate different interests, so you do not have to plan every day in the same way. Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and wildlife photography are possible at the D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge. The same four activities are listed for the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. Families or travel groups with different preferences can therefore plan their days around their preferred focus: observing and photographing wildlife, fishing or engaging with the landscape are separate options.
The Bayou D’Arbonne Trail can be explored by kayak or canoe beneath cypress trees. This perspective makes the water itself part of the travel experience. For access to the D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge, the area has seven entrances with parking along Highway 143. This provides a specific point of reference if you want to organize your excursions in advance around different access points.
Culture and Regional Traditions
Union is shaped by more than nature alone. The Union Museum of History and Art aims to promote an understanding of history, culture and art. Historical details also add further themes to the journey: at Farmerville Cemetery, a monument erected by the Louisiana Legislature in 1855 stands at the grave of Miles Farmer.
A particularly colorful tradition is the Louisiana Watermelon Festival. It celebrates pride in the harvest and takes place annually on the last weekend of July in Farmerville. Saturday’s program includes watermelon size and quality competitions, a parade, a watermelon auction and the Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival Pageant. Those who want to include regional festivals and local themes in their trip can take this date into account when planning.
Railroad history is represented by the Bernice Depot Museum, a restored railroad depot dating from 1899. The museum includes the wooden caboose car “The Captain Henderson,” dating from 1938. In addition, the Lake D’Arbonne Country Club offers a golf course near Lake D’Arbonne and has a clubhouse.
Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans
When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Union, it is worthwhile to determine your personal priorities first. If fishing, wildlife observation or a kayaking or canoeing excursion is the main focus, your daily planning should look different than it would for a trip centered around museums, the depot and the festival. Before booking, therefore, consider which experiences are essential for you and which places you would like to discover in addition.
For the overarching travel overview: Louisiana.
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