Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area - Hours, Activities, Prices, and Regulations

What’s Happening at LLELA?
Scroll down for complete activity descriptions. Call the LLELA Gate house at 972-219-7980 to register or for more information.
KayakPower river trips require registration at www.kayakpower.com

March 2008

March 8, 7:30 a.m. Bird Walk. Registration required.
March 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Homestead Open House.
March 15, 9 a.m. Kayak Power River Trip. Registration required.
March 30, 2 p.m. Bison Tour. Registration required.

April 2008

April 5, Dam Run. Call 972-219-3930 for info.
April 12, 7:30 a.m. Bird Walk. Registration required.
April 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Homestead Open House
April 19, 9 a.m. Kayak Power River Trip. Registration required.
April 27, 2 p.m. Bison Tour. Registration required.

May 2008

May 10, 7:30 a.m. Bird Walk. Registration required.
May 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Homestead Open House
May 17, 9 a.m. Kayak Power River Trip. Registration required.
May 25, 2 p.m. Bison Tour. Registration required.

Activity Descriptions

Homestead Open House: 3rd Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m. to noon
The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is home to several historic structures, most notably the Minor-Porter Log House, which dates to about 1869. Completely restored and furnished with all the trappings of everyday frontier life, the log house gives LLELA visitors a window on early Denton County history. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. There is no additional fee for this activity beyond regular admission to LLELA ($3/person; children age 5 years and under free).

Bison Tour: Last Sunday of each month, 2:00 p.m.
Once each month, visitors are invited to roam over to LLELA’s bison area for a guided tour. Participants will meet herd owner Robert Vaughan at the gatehouse, then drive out for an opportunity to see the bison up close (great photo opportunity!) and learn more about bison natural history and husbandry. All ages are welcome; registration is required at 972-219-7980. The tour is available for only $2/person in addition to LLELA’s regular gate fee of $3/person. The bison are normally off view in a secure area of LLELA, so this is a chance to visit a part of the preserve most people don’t get to see.

Kayak down the Elm Fork with KayakPower.com: 3rd Saturday of each month
Whether you’ve got lots of river time under your belt or have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here! Kayak Power will provide equipment and instruction followed by a six-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Contact info@kayakpower.com or 214-562-0769 for information. Reservation required.

Monthly Bird Walks: contact 972-219-3930 for upcoming dates
Over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area’s forests, prairies, and marshes. Bird watchers of all skill levels are welcome to join our master birders as they guide visitors to birding locations at LLELA. Some of the best spots are not normally available to the public, outside of a scheduled tour. Ages 10 and up. There is a $2 program fee for the bird walk, in addition to the regular gate fee ($3/person). Reservations are required; call 972-219-7980.