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One Tank Trips: Tickfaw State Park
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SPRINGFIELD — Tickfaw State Park, a 1,200-acre Louisiana state park tucked away in Springfield, has been welcoming visitors since 1999.
"We are the closest park to Baton Rouge, and we're tucked back deep in Springfield," Park Manager Gabrielle Nixon said.
One of the most popular ways to explore the park is from the water. The park rents out canoes and a third-party vendor offers kayak rentals and tours.
"It brings you out into the Tickfaw River, and you can really spend the entire day out on the river, come back and paddle back up your canoes or your own boats and head out," Nixon said.
Back on land, more than six miles of boardwalks and trails take visitors through trees, swamps and forests.
"It's beautiful, it's kind of an escape from everything," she said. "Walking the trails, just kind of being out with all the birds. It brings a lot of peace, and I think it brings a lot of peace to a lot of people."
The park has also become a popular spot for birdwatchers.
"140 to 170 bird species have been spotted in the park in the past few years," Nixon said.
For those who want to stay longer, the park offers cabin rentals that let visitors wake up surrounded by nature before heading back out for another day of exploring.
Visitor Shirley Boudreaux, who brings her family to enjoy the splash pad, is a regular at the park.
"It's a good safe place to bring your kids; they can have fun," Boudreaux said. "You can sit here and watch them. You can have a picnic here. It's just nice."
The park also has a nature center filled with Louisiana history, exhibits on native wildlife and ambassador animals. Inside, a theater room hosts interactive presentations teaching guests about the park.
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