New Orleans is a bustling, exciting place where you're constantly bombarded with beautiful, loud, over-the-top enchantment. NOLA is certainly not a place that apologizes for its fabulousness - it's brash and bold. When you live in the city, sometimes you need a break from all the noise. You need a quiet, peaceful, isolated place where you can commune with nature. Bayou Sauvage is exactly that place.

The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is located right within New Orleans' city limits, but you'll feel as though you're far, far away from the crowds.

In reality, it's just 20 minutes from downtown. Bayou Sauvage is considered the largest urban wildlife refuge in the country.

This peaceful spot encompasses 23,000 acres.

The refuge was established in 1990, after President Ronald Regan authorized it in 1986.

The marshes here provide sanctuary for many species of birds - both migratory and year-round.

You'll find around 350 species of birds here throughout the year.

Of course, where birds go, birdwatchers follow. This is a wonderful place to bring your binoculars so that you can spot many species. Take some photos, too.

Bayou Sauvage receives only about 12,000 visitors per year, so it's typically a pretty quiet spot, especially during colder months.

Alligators call this place home, too. Sometimes they're easy to spot...

...Other times, they're camouflaged perfectly.

The American Alligator is an important part of this refuge.

Interpretive trails and boardwalks wind throughout the refuge, making it possible for you to stroll right over the marshes and swamps.

Travel two-thirds of a mile along these boardwalks. You can also participate in a guided tour, given by staff members on weekends.

Rainfall is the main source of fresh water for this bayou, so water can get pretty brackish sometimes.

For more information about this incredible wild space inside our city, click here for a brochure and map.

Are you looking for more fun things to do in New Orleans that are cheap or free? Take a look at these 10 free things!