Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Continue onto the paved jogging trail in front of
The Travelers,
three sculp-
tures by artist Deborah Masters. The trail is divided into a section for bikers
and another for walkers and joggers. Be sure to stay on the correct side, and
if you bring your dog, remember that leashes are mandatory.
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Turn right (west) at the sculptures and begin walking along the park's duck-
filled lagoon. You're likely to see ducks, swans, and geese meandering along
the shore, their honks and quacks mingling with the rumble of St. Charles
Avenue streetcars. Visitors are welcome to bring stale bread to feed to them.
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Continue walking west along the trail. Even on the most sweltering of days,
Audubon's ancient live oak trees provide enough shade to make walking
bearable. Take some time to marvel at these spectacular moss-draped won-
ders of nature—they make Audubon so special.
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As you circle the trail and head south, you'll see the mansions of Walnut
Street to your right and Cecile's Crepe Myrtle Grove to your left. One of
many wedding venues in the park, the grove features gazebos at each end, a
circular path, an open field, and dozens of crepe myrtle trees, whose pink
and red blooms are at their peak in the summer. The area was dedicated to
Cecile Usdin, a park patron who considered this her favorite spot on the
park grounds.
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As you continue walking south, you'll notice the park's 18-hole golf course.
Redesigned in 2001, the course features contoured Bermuda fairways, mani-
cured Tif-Eagle greens, four lagoons, and exquisite landscaping. Entry is lim-
ited to those who are playing, but the Audubon Clubhouse Café, inside the
clubhouse, is open to the public. Grab a table on the wraparound veranda
and enjoy the view.
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As you approach Magazine Street, you may take one of two
routes—continuing around the jogging trail or crossing Magazine Street and
heading to the Riverview. This will add 1.4 miles to the walk but will take
you right up to the banks of the Mississippi River.
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If you prefer to stay on the trail, continue walking on the trail past the rear
entrance of the park; if you want to check out the Riverview, cross Magazine
at West Drive. Note that Magazine is a heavily traveled roadway, so be extra-
careful as you make your way across. Continue walking south. The buildings
to your right are luxury condominiums. To your left is the award-winning
Audubon Zoo, which, like the park itself, is part of the Audubon Institute's
