The restrooms on-site are outhouses (toilet seat is there, on top of a deep hole to catch your…read morewaste). This is a very beautiful historical park if you enjoy nature and/or like reading about its history. If you're not a history enthusiast or don't remember much about the Louisiana Purchase from your 8th grade history class...then you might find this state park to be boring. This park offers informational spots/posts along the way. When I visited, it was mostly dry so I didn't see any aquatic animals, no snakes, however there were plenty of birds in the trees singing. This park is located a couple minutes from a major highway. It offers a few parking spaces and there is no fee to enter/park.

This was a stop along a road trip to Dallas. The stop did add about an hour and a half to our…read morejourney. It's about 30 minutes off the highway. When we arrived there was only one other car in the parking area. This was slightly concerning because we appear to be in the middle of nowhere and you just never know the intent of others. As such, I do NOT suggest visiting this place solo. This landmark is a well maintained boardwalk above a swamp. The boardwalk leads you to the focal point of the swamp which is a monument that indicates the initial point from which all surveys of property acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 originated. If you are like me, it's been a long time since I had a history lesson. With that being said, there are several educational exhibits on the boardwalk to allow you to brush up on the Louisiana purchase. I enjoyed walking the boardwalk. It is a short distance to get to the end. I suggest taking your time to be still and listen to the sounds of the swamp. We saw a few birds and frogs along the way The signage indicates that alligators have been spotted in the swamp, but we did not see any during our visit. If you have an opportunity to visit, go for it!

You pull down what looks to be a abandoned road in the middle of isolation to a remote park about 2…read moremiles off the main road and everything turns into swamp in an eerie silence. But something about it is so beautiful! The boardwalk is maintained well and not overgrown. The signage is not discolored or abused by those coming to the site. There are a few little pieces of litter scattered by inconsiderate guests however. It's a shame because it is so beautiful otherwise. Pack your bug spray mosquitoes are crazy here but worth fighting off to see this site!!

This was a very fascinating place to visit. My wife and I explored the headwater swamp, read the…read moreplaques, and visited the "initial point" stone that marks President Madison's first survey of the Louisiana Purchase. Also, no mosquitos in winter. Definitely worth a fifteen minute visit!