Nestled in the heart of Eagle Lake, Texas, Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge offers a rare glimpse into one of the last stretches of native coastal prairie in southeast Texas. Established in 1972 to protect the critically endangered Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken, this 10,541-acre refuge provides essential habitat for a bird that once roamed millions of acres across the Gulf Coast. Visitors can experience the beauty and tranquility of tall-grass prairies, see native wildlife in their natural environment, and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems that sustain these remarkable creatures.

The refuge is one of the few national wildlife areas created specifically for an endangered species and is managed to support the survival and reintroduction of the Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken. Protecting this habitat also benefits countless other native species, offering a living window into the past before European settlement transformed the landscape. From spring wildflowers to deer roaming the prairie and the iconic dancing prairie-chickens, every visit provides an inspiring connection to nature and conservation efforts that ensure this unique ecosystem endures for generations to come.